PKPP appeals to Parliament to drop amendments to damaging media bill

The President of Polish Confederation of Private Employers (PKPP) Henryka Bochniarz, on behalf of private media, asked the Sejm to stop its work on the radio and television bill. It suggested the passing of the so-called minor amendment, which is necessary due to EU accession, and moreover would start public debate on the shape of the new media law. Broadcasters asked the Prime Minister to meet with them again and listen to their opinions. But, "He authorized Deputy Culture Minister Jakubowska to conduct cons ultations on his behalf," said the government's spokesman Michal Tober. Commercial broadcasters claim that the amendment would strengthen the position of public media at the cost of theirs, in part by giving the National Radio and Television Council (KRRiTV) more powers in favour of state broadcasters and so would limit the development of privately owned media. However, Parliament recently accelerated work on the new media law so that it could come into force early next year. (Rzeczpsopolita, p. A7) M.M.