Poland's media under pressure: The creeping erosion of press freedom

Poland's media landscape has been in a worrying downward trend for years. In Reporters Without Borders' ranking, the country has slipped to 66th place – by comparison, Austria is in 31st place. This development is closely linked to the policies of the national-conservative ruling party PiS and its systematic attempts to restrict press independence.

State access to regional media

A striking example of the erosion of press freedom is the takeover of the regional newspapers of Polska Press by the state-owned oil company Orlen. The media group, previously owned by the German "Passauer Neue Presse," comprised more than 20 regional newspapers. After the change of ownership, editors-in-chief critical of the government were dismissed and replaced by loyalists. The newsroom became a platform for "smooth propaganda," as critics emphasize. German publishers had long played an important role in Poland: they operated according to journalistic standards and were therefore a thorn in the government's side. A comparable development—media acquisitions by economically powerful oligarchs and the loss of independence—could also be observed in the Czech Republic.

TVN saved – veto based on reasons of state

Another defining moment was the failed attempt to nationalize the American television network TVN. The plan unexpectedly failed due to a veto by President Andrzej Duda. Observers interpreted his action as a strategic gesture: Duda recognized the importance of the alliance with the US for national security – especially shortly before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He also sought to cultivate a positive image with the White House. The veto marked a rare departure from his party, PiS, and saved a major private broadcaster from state control.

Public broadcasting as a party organ

Since 2015/2016, public broadcasters in Poland have transformed into a mouthpiece for the government. The management of these stations has been almost entirely replaced by party personnel. Although a legally mandated broadcasting fee exists, many citizens do not pay it. The result is increased dependence on state funding, which is sometimes specifically used to promote pro-government reporting. The accusation: Public media are financially rewarded for their propaganda work – they are "swimming in money," as critics put it.

Civil society resistance remains alive

At the same time, Poland has a strong tradition of civil resistance. The spirit of Solidarity lives on – as demonstrated, for example, by the protests against a proposed advertising tax for media outlets. Private broadcasters shut down their programs, and newspapers published black front pages. This action forced the government to back down. Key figures of the Third Polish Republic, such as Lech Wałęsa and Adam Michnik, editor-in-chief of "Gazeta Wyborcza," also remain active. Their work keeps the memory of democratic achievements alive and provides guidance for society.

A country caught between control and hope

In contrast to Hungary, where the government has gained almost complete control over the media landscape, there is still hope in Poland. Proportional representation makes authoritarian power concentrations more difficult, and social resistance remains visible. Journalism retains its curatorial function – despite all attempts to weaken it. Media consumption in Poland is intensive: citizens spend an average of almost eleven hours a day with media. Even though online platforms are growing, traditional television remains a leading medium. The fight for a free, independent press is therefore not lost – but rather an expression of a resilient democracy that is holding its own against authoritarian tendencies.