OSCE PA democracy Chair urges repeal of Poland’s new media law

COPENHAGEN, 8 January 2016 – The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions Chairperson, Isabel Santos (MP, Portugal), today urged Poland’s leaders to repeal the country’s new media law, which gives the government direct control over the management of public broadcasters.

“I am alarmed by the decision of the Polish government to implement measures that undermine the independence and impartiality of media in the country. In doing so, these measures appear to threaten a central pillar of democratic, pluralist societies. I call on Poland’s leaders to repeal the new law and reevaluate their approach to the role of public media,” the Chairperson said.

The law, which was signed on 7 January and takes effect today, gives the Polish Treasury Minister the power to appoint and dismiss members of the management of public television and radio broadcasters. Members were previously selected by the National Broadcasting Council, a politically independent body.

“The Polish government and parliament should consider the precedent they are setting, both for the country and for the wider region,” Santos added.

The Chairperson said she looks forward to hearing the perspectives of her Polish colleagues within the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.