On 24 October at 1 p.m., an unexpected incident unfolded when a passerby tried to slip money into the pocket of a TV Republika reporter during a live studio broadcast in Warsaw.
Unusual Scene at TV Republika
The incident occurred on Friday, 24 October, around 13:00, when a reporter was live‑sending from the studio outside the District Prosecutor’s Office on Krucza Street, Warsaw.
At a certain point, a passerby approached Gwardyński and attempted to put something into his pocket. The recording captured the words: “What are you doing? Godlike cruelty!”. The connection was cut, and the host later reported that the reporter had been attacked by an unknown man.
Attempt to Slip Money into Pocket
After a brief pause, the reporter returned to the studio. Michał Gwardyński explained that an unknown individual tried to force him and the operator to receive money – a total of 400 złoty.
He added that one passerby forced money into both his and the operator’s pockets. He emphasized that even if viewers support the station, they do not agree with such donations.
Could Have Been a Provocation
Gwardyński suggested the incident might have been a provocation, noting a nearby person recording with a phone. He said he did not fully understand what happened at that moment or the intentions of the man.
He stressed that if the man had good intentions towards the station, it is unacceptable to shove money into pockets. He reiterated that he is not one of the Polish senators who would accept envelopes from unknown persons.
Financial Support for TV Republika
TV Republika regularly holds fundraisers for its operations. In September, the media reported generous support from a political party.
On 12 May, the Law and Justice party (PiS) signed a contract with TV Republika worth 602,800 zł for airing PiS adverts from 2 to 30 June, with an option to extend until 31 August.
PiS Treasury Minister Henryk Kowalczyk said they chose TV Republika because of its viewership among conservative audiences, which was the main criterion.
