In fresh days tv Poland (TVP) has been at the centre of attention due to controversy surrounding the suspension of 1 of the most celebrated sports commentators, Przemysław Babiarz. This case sparked a broad discussion in the media and among the public, and yet ended with the decision to bring Babian back to reporting sports events.
Babiar's Return to Work
On Wednesday Przemysław Babiarz flew to Warsaw for a gathering with the director-general of TVP, Tomasz Sygut and manager of TVP Sport, Jakub Kwiatkowski. As he revealed “Fact”, after talks at Woroniczna Street, it was decided that the writer would return to Paris to proceed his work in reporting the Olympic struggles. Babiarz is due to return to commenting on the games as early as Friday, during the broadcast of athletic competitions. This is good news for many viewers who value the professionalism and distinctive kind of comment of this experienced sports journalist.
Official TVP Statement
Television Poland issued a message on the subject, pointing out that “the parties have jointly established that the fundamental rule of objectivity and journalistic ethics is to separate information from subjective comment. This applies to all reporter, presenter or commentator." This declaration underlines the importance of fairness and impartiality in the work of journalists, which is crucial in the context of public media work.
Support for Babar
Almost everyone stood up for Babiant – from right to left. The most powerful emphasis was an open letter to Tomasz Sygut, in which the sportsmen and journalists of TVP athletics wrote: “We, colleagues from work, but besides us, spectators, fans and athletes – so that Przemysław Babiarz can relate the Olympic Games in Paris. Przemysław Babiarz works primarily for fans. They are waiting for a sporting holiday, for Polish success, tears of joy and beautiful stories. They are waiting for a comment by Przemysław Babiarz".
Intervention of the Ombudsman
On Tuesday, the Ombudsman Marcin Wiązek asked the director-general of TVP S.A. in liquidation, Tomasz Sygut, to explain "in connection with the suspension of Przemysław Babiarz by ed. The Ombudsman stressed the importance of freedom of speech and the right to free expression, noting the request for transparency in public media activities.
Political reactions
Even Donald Tusk took the lead in the case. At first, he remained silent for respective days, but erstwhile it became clear that the substance was unsavable, he publically made it clear that the suspension of Babar was a bad decision. Tusk pointed out the request to defend the independency of journalists and their right to express opinions, which is simply a fundamental component of democracy.
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.
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Babiarz returns to comment on the Olympic Games on TVP
