The National
Broadcasting Council

During the investigation initiated by the National Broadcasting Council, experts confirmed that the material did not meet reportage criteria and journalistic ethics standards.

The experts demonstrated a lack of objectivity and journalistic integrity by the Broadcaster. They noted that the material was biased, prepared with a selective selection of sources and events, and interpreted facts and events ahistorically. The program’s authors used manipulative techniques forbidden in journalistic work, such as insinuation, so-called term-fixers, false associations of emotions and persons, and gossip.

The program relied on the materials of the communist security services (denunciations obtained by the SB) and did not check other documentary collections. No in-depth research was conducted, events were not connected, and the entire narrative was tailored to fit the earlier thesis. The analysis of the material showed the presence of content in the broadcast that is contrary to the law and social good, offending religious feelings, in this particular case, Catholics, and disinforming the public.

In issuing the formal Decision, the Chairman of the National Broadcasting Council emphasized that the freedom of the media and public expression are not unlimited. Journalists work within a specific legal framework. Their rights and duties are regulated by the Press Law of January 26, 1984, and the Broadcasting Law of December 29, 1992, which require them to provide reliable information and respect the religious feelings of their audience.

Moreover, the violation occurred in a cyclical program broadcast in a band with a large audience.

In view of the above, the Chairman called on the Broadcaster to desist from violating the law and decided to impose a fine of PLN 550,000 (in words: Five hundred and fifty thousand zlotys).

TVN SA generated revenues of PLN 1,976,369,000 (in words: One billion nine hundred and seventy-six million three hundred and sixty-nine thousand zlotys) in 2022.