The results of the Polish parliamentary elections, which took place more than a week ago, indicate not only possible changes in the government of the neighboring country, but also fuel new expectations about positive changes in the field of media freedom.
In the Global Media Freedom Index, Poland rose from 66th to 57th place this year, but so far this is only a climb out of a deep hole. The neighboring country fell into it in 2015, when the conservative “Law and Justice” party came to power – just seven years ago, Poland was in 18th place in the global index.
“Although there is a variety of media in Poland, public awareness of press freedom remains low. Having turned the public media into a propaganda tool, the government is increasingly trying to change the editorial line of the private media and control information on sensitive topics,” the 2023 Reporters Without Borders report reads.
Zuma Press/Scanpix Photo/Polish Media
In recent years, the ruling “Law and Justice” party (PiS) has been repeatedly criticized for its media initiatives.
A few years ago, there were protests in Poland due to the draft law passed by the Seimas at that time, which forbids entities from outside the European Economic Area to manage controlling stakes in Polish media companies.
This law, based on the desire to protect against Russian or Chinese capital, but mainly turned against the largest TV network in Poland, TVN, which is owned by the American giant “Warner Bros. Discovery”.
Three years ago, the decision of the state oil refining company PKN Orlen to acquire one of the largest regional groups of newspapers and portals, Polska Press Group, also received a huge response.
Public broadcaster TVP, according to critics, has become a mouthpiece of the government, which cannot be avoided even during elections. And the operating space of independent private channels has recently become more and more uncomfortable – due to more and more frequent lawsuits against critics of the government, fines and procedural delays imposed by media regulatory authorities.
Scanpix/AP Photo/Protest against hate speech on TVP
„We became a target”
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Interview with Media Analyst Anna Kowalska on Poland’s Recent Parliamentary Elections and Media Freedom
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Anna. The recent Polish parliamentary elections have sparked discussions around potential changes in the government and media freedom. What are your initial thoughts on how these elections might affect Poland’s media landscape?
Anna Kowalska: Thank you for having me. The election results signal a potential shift in power that could bring about changes in government policies, particularly regarding media freedom. The ”Law and Justice” party’s recent control over public media has drawn heavy criticism, and many are hopeful that a change in leadership may restore some independence to the media.
Editor: Poland has seen a significant rise in the Global Media Freedom Index, moving from 66th to 57th place this year. While this is an improvement, it’s still far from the 18th position the country held seven years ago. What do you think needs to happen for Poland to reclaim a higher spot on that index?
Anna Kowalska: Indeed, while the rise in rankings is encouraging, it represents only a small step out of a much deeper crisis. To move higher on the index, Poland needs to ensure that media pluralism is respected and protected. This means dismantling restrictive laws that impede foreign ownership of media and addressing issues of state control over public broadcasting.
Editor: You mentioned the government’s use of public media as a propaganda tool. How do you see this issue evolving in light of the new parliamentary results?
Anna Kowalska: If there is a change in government, we might see attempts to restore journalistic integrity and independence in public media. It will be crucial for the new leadership to distance itself from the “Law and Justice” party’s tactics and to actively promote a more balanced media landscape.
Editor: The protests against the law limiting foreign ownership of Polish media, especially targeted at TVN, illustrate strong public discontent. How do you think the public will react if the new government takes steps to loosen these restrictions?
Anna Kowalska: The public in Poland is quite attuned to issues of media freedom. If the new government moves to reverse those restrictions, I expect positive public support and increased engagement. However, it is essential that these changes happen transparently and with a clear commitment to protecting freedom of the press.
Editor: With the previous government’s stance on controlling information, many citizens’ awareness about press freedom remains low. What role do you think civic education and media literacy will play moving forward?
Anna Kowalska: Civic education and media literacy will be crucial in empowering the public to understand and advocate for their media rights. Promoting awareness about press freedom helps citizens discern reliable news sources from propaganda. A well-informed public is essential for holding the media and government accountable.
Editor: Thank you, Anna, for sharing your insights. It will be interesting to see how the situation develops in Poland in the coming months.
Anna Kowalska: Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing positive changes for media freedom in Poland.
Emand for a free press. How do you think public sentiment will influence future media policies?
Anna Kowalska: Public sentiment plays a vital role in shaping media policies, especially in a democracy. The protests demonstrated that citizens are aware of the importance of media freedom and are willing to take action to protect it. If the new government is receptive to public opinion, we may see a movement towards more liberal policies that promote diverse ownership models and safeguard against state interference.
Editor: Given the challenges faced by independent media in Poland, including lawsuits and regulatory pressures, what steps can journalists and media organizations take to navigate this difficult landscape?
Anna Kowalska: Journalists must continue to advocate for their rights and work together to create networks of support. They should focus on investigative journalism that holds power accountable while developing solid legal defenses against any undue pressure. Moreover, media organizations can benefit from fostering transparency in their operations and maintaining direct communication with their audiences to build trust and solidarity.
Editor: what message do you want to convey to the international community regarding Poland’s media situation?
Anna Kowalska: It’s essential for the international community to remain vigilant and vocal about media freedom in Poland. As pressures mount, the support from global civil society, media watchdogs, and foreign governments can provide crucial backing for reform efforts. Highlighting the importance of an independent press is fundamental not only for Poland but for democracy worldwide.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Anna. It’s clear that while there are potential avenues for positive change in Poland’s media landscape, continued vigilance and advocacy are essential.
Anna Kowalska: Thank you for having me.
