The PiS conference in Katowice sparked a heated exchange as MP Joanna Lichocka interrupted former TVP chief Jacek Kurski, accusing him and the current TVP leadership of unlawfully shutting down the national broadcaster.
Lichocka Accuses TVP of Unlawful Closure
At the PiS program conference in Katowice, MP Joanna Lichocka interrupted former TVP director Jacek Kurski as he described reforms during his tenure. When Kurski denounced the legality of the TVP liquidation, Lichocka replied, “That is why they will sit,” referring to the current TVP management that she claims broke the law by placing the company into liquidation. She said the present regime represents a “organized criminal group.”
Kurski Rejects, Lichocka Demands Future Vision
Later in the session, Lichocka cut short Kurski’s talk about the achievements of what he called the “good change.” She asked, “If I could ask you to diagnose where this is headed, not how you changed TVP wonderfully.” Kurski noted he had not spoken about himself, but Lichocka stressed she expected a vision for the future rather than reminiscing. She summed up with, “We know where this is going.”
PiS to Rebuild Public Media, Not Liquidate TVP
Lichocka insisted public broadcasters should remain Poland’s strongest national player, and that PiS will restore their former status after its return to power. She said the party will not liquidate TVP but rebuild it as an institution serving citizens, not the state. Panelists highlighted the need to safeguard freedom of speech amid EU DSA and MFA rules that could lead to internet censorship. Speakers suggested a National Holding of Public Media that would unite TVP, Polish Radio and PAP, arguing the entities should form part of national security strategy and promote Polish culture.
Public Reaction and Accusations
The debate sparked intense commentary on social media. Leszek Balcerowicz described the panel as reminiscent of Orwell, calling Kurski a “public media reform expert.” Monika Wielichowska agreed, adding that state‑run TVP has become the most grotesque propaganda machine. Bartosz Bocheńczak criticized PiS for teaching a fox how to guard a henhouse, noting that under PiS, TVP remains a tool of state propaganda.
Commission Report Criticizes Media Failure Under PiS
The Commission on Investigating Abuse Against Civil Society, formed in April, released its first media report in September. Its chair, lawyer Sylwia Gregorczyk‑Abram, claimed that under PiS, public media stopped fulfilling its role, sided with the ruling party, and launched a range of propaganda and repressive mechanisms such as harassment, ridicule, and moral panic. The report called for reforms to ensure the media’s independence.
