The Polish prime minister says his government will act to prevent the country’s major TV stations from falling into Russian hands.
The move, which takes the form of a directive that is to be adopted this week, is designed to safeguard against attempts by Russia to influence Europe’s democracy and political processes.
Donald Tusk will be looking at the Warner Bros Discovery-owned TVN, which is one of a number of stations believed to have been put up for sale by the US media group. Poland’s right-wing and EU-skeptic Law and Justice party is believed to be an interested party.
“We want to protect our countries and the European Union against interference into the electoral processes or attempts at taking over or interfering with the work of our media,” Tusk told reporters.
Commercial station Polsat will also be added to a list of strategic businesses that will require government approval before changing hands. Its currently the subject of infighting by the family of billionaire owner Zygmunt Solorz.
