Poland President vetos media law opposed by US

Poland President vetos media law opposed by US

Polish President Andrzej Duda vetoed a controversial media bill on Monday. It has targeted TVN owned by US media giant Discovery, which is considered an independent broadcaster.

The bill stipulates that broadcasters based in Poland must be mostly owned by European Union entities. Law and Justice (PiS), the ruling party, has expressed concern that foreign media corporations have much power over Poland too. Therefore, a bill was rushed through parliament early December.

As a US-based company, Discovery would have been forced to leave under this bill. Television Network Poland is the country's largest independent broadcaster. TVN has been critical of the conservative government in Poland.

During his speech, Duda hinted that he agreed with the Poles' concerns regarding how the bill would negatively affect freedom of speech; many argued that the legislature intended to limit the influence of hostile states. Furthermore, signing the bill into law could strain relations with the U.S., a key ally in the region. Duda has said that:

"I concur that limiting the transfer of shares or stocks in media companies generally is sensible when it comes to attracting foreign capital... I believe the measure should be implemented in Poland but in the future."

In addition to entities that are already on the market, the bill and its amendments address issues relating to media pluralism and freedom of speech. This was an element that I seriously considered when making my decision.

Bix Aliu, a U.S. diplomat in Warsaw and Chargé d'affaires of the Embassy, commended Duda's commitment to common democratic values as well as the protection of Poland's investment climate.