Poland’s president Andrzej Duda has indicated he may veto controversial amendments to broadcast legislation that could result in Discovery being forced to exit the country.
Speaking in an interview with the Polish public broadcaster’s channel TVP Info and quoted in Wirtualne Media, he said that although “media re-polonisation” is an important topic, it should be undertaken “on a market basis” and “simply on the basis of acquisition”. Not compulsorily, on the basis that we have an act and a specific deadline, which most often causes a drop in share prices, if it is a listed company.
President Duda said that the proposed amendments to the Broadcast Law are “a very controversial solution that is incomprehensible to our American partners” for two reasons. The first is the protection of property, for which Americans are well known, and the second the value of free speech, which generally in the US media is quite ruthless.
“It is very difficult for Americans to understand that there may be any limitations or doubts here. This situation is quite special and here we need to weigh our interests well”.
As previously reported by Broadband TV News, earlier this month Poland’s parliament (Sejm) approved the amendments (termed ‘Lex TVN’) to the Broadcast Law. They will now be voted on by the Senate but can ultimately be vetoed by President Duda.
