Protests in Poland against new media law

 

People in Poland demonstrated nationwide on Tuesday against a bill widely viewed as a effort by the country’s nationalist ruling party to silence an independent, US-owned television broadcaster that is critical of the government.

Technically, the bill would prevent non-European owners from having controlling stakes in Polish media companies.

In practice, it would push American company Discovery Inc. to sell its controlling stake in TVN, a network with many channels that operates the all-news station TVN24 and has a flagship evening news program watched daily by millions.

At stake in the bill’s passage is Poland’s reputation for media freedom and as a place for foreign companies to do business.

The proposal is already straining relations with the United States, a key ally.

Poland's ruling party, Law and Justice, has long sought to nationalise the media, claiming it is for national security reasons.

It says the law would bring Poland into line with other European countries, including France and Germany, which limit foreign ownership in the media.

It cites the risk of media being controlled by hostile powers like Russia and China.

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Tuesday the law isn't directed against anyone but seeks to protect Polish society, alleging that foreign entities are trying to influence Poland's debate on COVID-19 vaccinations.

Large crowds chanted “Free media!” in dozens of cities and towns in support of TVN.

In front of parliament in the capital of Warsaw, Donald Tusk, a former top European Union official who is now the leader of the opposition party Civic Platform, described free media as a pillar of democracy worth fighting for and accused the government of trying to “return to communist patterns.”

On Wednesday parliament is set to debate and vote on the bill.

The bill was introduced last month and appears to have a high chance of passing.