Constitutional Tribunal deems new media law unconstitional

Appeals to decide whether the so-called “small media law” is consistent with Poland’s Constitution have resulted in the high court’s declaration that major changes made early this year were unconstitutional. Specifically, the court ruled on Tuesday that the exclusion of the National Council of Radio and Television (KRRiTV) from the process of appointing authorities for TVP and Polish Radio violated the constitution; and that the appointment and dismissal of board members, presidents and members of the supervisory board must involve the KRRiTV. On January 8, 2016, Jacek Kurski, who was at the time a government deputy minister, was named by the Law and Justice (PiS) administration as the head of Poland’s public TV network, TVP, and Barbara Stanisławczyk was given the nod to be CEO of Polish Radio. Several existing executive board members and managers, as well as high profile journalists who voiced criticism of the new PiS administration, were also fired.