Key legislative move in Poland

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The Polish parliament (Sejm) has approved far-reaching amendments to the country’s broadcast law. As previously expected, they severely curtail the National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT), passing many of its powers, including the right to award licences, to the Office for Electronic Communications (UKE).

The amendments will also lead to a change in the way the governing bodies of both the public network TVP and its radio counterpart are chosen, with the KRRiT being required to hold contest for positions and also given the right to dismiss those already in posts. The ruling Civic Forum (PO) party contend that the amendments are needed to depoliticise public broadcasting in Poland – a view not share by the leading opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party.

The amendments will now be put to the Upper House.