Przemysław Babiarz, a well-known and respected sports journalist, will again sit behind the microphone to comment on the athletes' struggles at the Olympics in Paris. By decision of the Polish tv (TVP), Babiarz will report, among others, athletic competitions. However, this is not the first time his work at the Games has caused controversy.
Controversial opinion and suspension
Przemysław Babiarz was suspended on the second day of the Paris Games. The reason for the suspension was his relation with the inauguration of the competition, during which he expressed his opinion on John Lennon's song "Imagine". According to the author himself, Babiarz described the song as a communist manifesto.
“A planet without heaven, nations, religion—this is simply a imagination of this peace that is to embrace all. This is simply a imagination of communism, unfortunately," said Babiarz during the relationship.
It is worth noting that John Lennon himself spoke of his song as a part of explicit message. “It is actually a communist manifesto. (...) ‘Imagine’ contains a message covered with icing. And almost everywhere is simply a hit: this anti-religious, anti-nationalist, non-conformist and anti-capitalist song," Lennon said.
Reactions and return to work
The decision to suspend Babiarz met with wide criticism. The writer was followed by representatives of different backgrounds – from politicians, athletes, to journalists. Eventually, under the influence of many support voices, TVP decided to bring Babiar back to work on reporting the Olympic struggles.
On Wednesday, Przemysław Babiarz met in Warsaw with TVP CEO Tomasz Sygut and TVP athletics manager Jakub Kwiatkowski. As he revealed “Fact”, after talks at the TVP office at Woroniczna Street, it was decided that the writer would return to Paris to proceed his work.
TVP Statement
Television Poland issued a message which highlighted the principles of objectivity and journalistic ethics. "The parties jointly agreed that the fundamental rule of objectivity and journalistic ethics is to separate information from subjective comment. This applies to all reporter, presenter or commentator,” says the statement.
Summary
Przemysław Babiarz returns to comment on the Olympic Games in Paris after a short suspension. His return is the consequence of both interior talks on TVP and public support. The journalist, who has been an icon of Polish sports journalism for years, will be able to proceed his passion, reporting the struggles of the best athletes in the world, while respecting the principles of objectivity and journalistic ethics.
Daniel Głogowski
Expert in his field – Publicist, author and social activist. The first articles were published in 1999 for global publishers. For more than 30 years, he has gained his experience through cooperation with the largest editorial offices. In his articles, he seeks to address controversial topics and present first viewpoints that allowed for a deeper knowing of the issues discussed.
Continued here:
The baboon never lets go. Again he talks about “Imagine” and the scenes of suspension
