The heads of Sweden’s three EBU members have jointly signed a letter opposing new amendments to Poland’s broadcast law.
In the letter, published by Dagens Nyheter and the EBU, EBU executive board member Cilla Benkö (SR), Hanna Stjärne (SVT) and Christel Tholse Willers (UR) urge Swedish politicians to take action against the Polish government, who they accuse of dismantling media freedom in Europe.
They go on say that, “during recent weeks, we have witnessed with growing unease how the Polish government, with extreme speed and without elaborated documentation or open processes, has driven through a law which among other things gives the mandate to appoint and dismiss key figures in public service companies.
“These changes have been met with sharp criticism both nationally and by a long list of international organizations such as the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), Association of European Journalists (AEJ), Reporters Sans Frontières and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Several leading media heads in Polish public service companies have resigned in protest”.
They also say they believe the Polish government should immediately see reason and reverse the decisions; the Swedish government should make the freedom of the press one of its top priorities; media politics should continue to be governed nationally; and Swedish political parties should take Poland as a warning example.
Recent developments in Poland will be discussed today (Wednesday, January 13) by the European Commission.
