A court in Warsaw decided last week to revoke the broadcasting licenses of both right-leaning channels. The court ruled that the media council was not sufficiently careful when granting the licenses. According to the verdict, the council based its decision on letters of intent rather than on objective criteria.
Objections against the broadcasting licenses were filed by Polskie Wolne Media, owner of the competing TV Polska 24. They claimed that the decision to grant the licenses was unlawful. The court agreed with them and placed the legal costs on the Media Council.
The channels are known for their conservative reporting and their open support of the previous Polish government. According to the newspaper Rzeczpospolita, the two stations were important platforms for criticism of the coalition of former EU Commissioner Donald Tusk, who has recently come to power. The sudden revocation of the broadcast rights therefore raises questions about the political independence of media policy.
Last Thursday, during the first televised election debate, disagreements already arose. Instead of the two intended candidates, eight candidates took part in the studio debate, which was broadcast by two national channels. The two now-threatened conservative channels were not allowed to be present in the studio but were only permitted to record beforehand outside, on the square.
In response to the court ruling, programming directors of the broadcasters expressed their indignation. Michał Rachoń of TV Republika called it an "attack on press freedom," and its chairman Tomasz Sakiewicz accused the Polish judiciary of political bias.
The Polish government denies political motives. In a statement to Polskie Radio 24, a spokesperson said the closure arises from legal shortcomings in the licensing process. It was emphasized that the decision is a judicial, not a political, matter.
International observers are concerned. According to Reporters Without Borders, the decision poses a threat to the free press in Poland. They state the ruling could set a precedent affecting other media in the future.
The channels continue to broadcast for now while an appeal to the highest administrative court is prepared. It remains unclear whether the licenses will be permanently revoked.