Lex TVN is another disturbing signal for media freedom and pluralism in Poland: Jourova
The deputy head of the European Commission, Vera Jourova, referred to the draft amendment to the Broadcasting Act by PiS MPs. According to the commissioner responsible for the rule of law, the situation in Poland prompts the European Union to issue the Media Freedom Act – a regulation that is to ensure freedom of the media throughout the Community.
"The new draft Polish law on broadcasting concessions is yet another worrying signal for media freedom and pluralism in the country. We follow closely the situation related to TVN24 whose license has not been renewed yet," Jourova stated.
Meanwhile, the owner of TVN, Discovery Inc. is not going to let go. In the published statement, the company emphasizes that it will "defend its business against the increasing excesses of the competencies of regulatory authorities".
Last Wednesday, a group of PiS deputies headed by the applicant Marek Suski (who is also the head of the Polish Radio's program council) submitted a draft amendment to the Broadcasting Act last Wednesday. It assumes that media dependent on persons or entities from outside the European Economic Area will not be allowed to grant a broadcasting license in Poland. This could lead to the American-owned TVN station losing its license. All channels belonging to the group may lose it.
(EURACTIV.pl, Business Insider)
