Poland’s National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) has imposed a controversial fine of PLN1.479 million (€352,000) on the national commercial station TVN.
In a statement, the regulator says that it has done so after having examined the coverage of events in and around the Polish parliament (Sejm) on December 16-18 by TVN24, the news-based channel operated by TVN.
In its view, the broadcaster of TVN24 violated the Act on Radio and TV Broadcasting by “promoting illegal activities and encouraging behaviour that threatens national security”.
It adds that in imposing the fine, it considered the broadcaster’s financial means.
The fine amounts to approximately 0.1% of TVN’s income in 2016, or under 1% of the maximum permitted under the terms of the Act on Radio and TV Broadcasting.
Broadband TV News notes that the fine is seen by some sections of the Polish TV industry as being politically motivated.
It relates to TVN24’s coverage of protests against new rules limiting the work of journalist in the Sejm.
TVN, which is owned by Scripps Networks Interactive, will appeal against the fine.
