Turbulent deliberations in the National Broadcasting Council. An attempt to dismiss the chairman and escape
On Friday, KRRiT decided to increase the RTV subscription. In addition, many other matters were to be raised at the meeting. According to a member of the National Broadcasting Council, prof. Tadeusz Kowalski, changes in the Council regulations were agreed by members on June 4, and their goal was Ensuring the efficient functioning of the Council in the event of suspension of the chairman Maciej Świrski in connection with the possible erectment of him before the State Tribunal.
See also: Comments after information about the State Court for the head of the National Broadcasting Council. For and against
On June 4, however, these changes could not be voted, so the topic was to be subjected to the meeting during the Friday meeting of the online, scheduled for June 27. As Tadeusz Kowalski informs, Maciej Świrski announced a break before the discussion, without consulting it with the other members of the participants.
“He hung up, thus preventing the meeting from further” – informed Prof. Kowalski.”I consider such an attitude to be unacceptable and reconciling both the public and constitutional interest of the state authority” – added a member of the KRRiT.
Commenting on the situation, KRRiT spokeswoman Teresa Brykczyńska said that Tadeusz Kowalski attempted to dismiss Maciej Świrski, which could have influenced the chairman's decision to stop the meeting.
“The chairman of the National Broadcasting Council received this action as a clear retaliation for making public information about the ownership structure of TVN SA. Ordering a break in the meeting of the Council is a standard procedure, used many times by the chairmen both in this and in previous terms ” – the spokeswoman pointed out.
Allegations against Maciej Świrski
The allegations against Maciej Świrski concern, among others blocking a radio and television subscription in the amount of approximately PLN 300 million, hindering the process of granting a concession for private broadcasters (such as TVN, TOK FM or Radio ZET) and non-performance of statistical research of viewership of television stations.
The parliamentary committee of constitutional responsibility recommended on June 12 the erecting head of the National Court of KRRiT before the State Tribunal, and the decision on this matter is to be made by the Sejm.
The National Broadcasting Council consists of five members appointed by the Sejm, Senate and President. The current composition includes chairman Maciej Świrski, deputy Agnieszka Glapiak and Hanna Karp, Tadeusz Kowalski and Marzena Paczuska.
Pursuant to the applicable regulations, putting Świrski before the State Tribunal and its suspension would automatically mean to remove him from the duties of the chairman of the National Broadcasting Council. In this case, other members could function as a four -person body, making key decisions for the National Broadcasting Council. As emphasized by prof. Kowalski, if necessary, it is possible to choose a new chairman from the current members.
