Poland vetoes anti-Discovery law

Polish President Andrzej Duda has vetoed the so-called Lex TVN, an amendment to the Broadcast Law that would have forced Discovery Communications to sell up its interests and leave the country.

Speaking about his decision, he said that he had considered referring the amendment to the Constitutional Tribunal or return it to the Sejm (parliament) for reconsideration. He also pointed out that the amendment raised doubts about the Polish constitution and the 1990 Polish-American agreement on the protection of mutual interests.

President Duda also questioned the fairness of the six-month divestment period Discovery would have had had it been required to sell its interests. Furthermore, he also spoke about the recent award of a licence to Discovery’s TVN and importance of media pluralism in Poland.

Meanwhile, the management board of TVN Discovery Group said: “We accept with appreciation and joy the decision of the President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, who spoke in favor of the freedom of the media and the right of viewers to choose. By vetoing Lex TVN, the President defended good relations with the United States.

“We have many days of anxiety and uncertainty behind us. We would like to thank our viewers, all organisations and individuals who signed our appeal and voiced their opposition to this act. Your support was invaluable in this difficult time for us”.