Regulator loses some weight

The new media law raced its way through parliament and the presidency in record time. Instead of nine members, the Radio and Television Council (KRRiTV) will now be composed of five people - two nominated by the President, two by the Sejm and one by the Senate. The opposition claims that this effectively hands control of the body to the Kaczyński twins. The new board will be chosen early this year.

The law also includes two controversial amendments proposed by the League of Polish Families (LPR) and Self-Defense (SO). LPR demanded that only social broadcasters, such as Radio Maryja, should have their licenses renewed automatically and SO suggested that the KRRiTV must "initiate and undertake activities on the issue of securing a code of ethics in journalism." The passing of the bill sparked an outcry, with critics claiming it threatens freedom of speech and favors a pro-government media.

According to Danuta Waniek, former head of the KRRiTV, the new media law was passed too quickly - at a pace reserved for governmental proposals and not those of deputies. She also told PAP that the regulator's term hasn't finished yet and that she intends to call another meeting. Former members of the council are also planning to demand damages for being sacked before their term of office was over.