KRRiT fines TVN PLN 1.5 mln for broadcasting opposition protests

The National Broadcasting Council KRRiT has slapped a PLN 1.48 million fine on private broadcaster TVN for “encouraging behavior which threatens public safety.” The fine concerns the coverage of the December protests in and outside the parliament, when the opposition politicians blocked the Sejm’s rostrum. The dissent concerned ruling Law and Justice (PiS) proposals to restrict media access to the Parliament. protested against the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) government and its recent proposals to curb media access to the Parliament. This sparked protests outside of the Parliament building where thousands gathered and blocked PiS MPs from leaving the building. Police had to intervene. No one was injured. According to KRRiTV, TVN’ broadcast of the vents “propagated actions contrary to the law and the raison d’etre of the Polish state, and opinions incompatible with social morality and the common good.” TVN is owned by the US broadcaster Discovery Communications.