TVN sale sparks concerns over media independence in Poland

TVN, one of the largest television networks in Poland, has started the process of being sold, raising apprehension among its employees despite a reassuring letter from CEO Katarzyna Kieli of Warner Bros. Discovery.

Reuters reports that potential buyers include Hungarian TV2 Media and Czech PPF Group, with JPMorgan facilitating the contacts.

According to the Polish media portal Wirtualne Media, employees of one of the country’s largest TV stations are concerned about a potential takeover by investors linked to the Hungarian government.

This raises concerns, especially in light of recent reports about political asylum being granted by circles associated with Viktor Orbán to Marcin Romanowski, a corruption-accused figure connected to Poland’s national-populist Law and Justice (PiS) party.

TVN employees concerned over potential Hungarian takeover amid asylum scandal

Despite the fact that CEO Katarzyna Kieli emphasized in a letter to employees that journalistic independence will remain a priority, this did not ease the concerns of the staff, who feel uncertain about the station’s future.

At the end of the station’s news program, Fakty TVN, anchor Anita Werner addressed viewers with a special statement, emphasizing the station’s commitment to journalistic integrity and reliable information:

The world is changing, but what doesn’t change are our values. In the 'Fakty’ newsroom at TVN, these values are journalistic integrity and craftsmanship, and reliable, verified information. You, dear viewers, have the right to know, and we are here to provide you with that knowledge. And we will. Unchangingly.

However, unofficially, journalists continue to express growing anxiety about the station’s future.

TVN sale could shake Poland’s media market

For years, we have been passed from hand to hand. First Scripps, then Discovery, and Warner Bros. Discovery. We felt fairly stable, but now that stability has been shaken. There’s a mood of uncertainty. We all have the sense that something big might happen.

Everyone hopes it will remain in the hands of some capital that will ensure us basic stability and independence.

There’s a lot of gossip in the halls. Some talk about the Hungarians, others about a Hungarian-Czech consortium. Some say that Rafał Brzoska from InPost was raising money, but it’s unclear whether he succeeded, notes one of the presenters in an interview with Wirtualnemedia.pl.

The sale of TVN, which began despite Prime Minister Tusk placing the station on the list of strategic companies, could impact the media market in Poland and the stability of employment at the station. If the transaction goes through, it will require government approval following consultations, including with the Polish Intelligence Agency.

Source: Reuters/Wirtualne Media/WP

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