TVN24 to appeal fine imposed by broadcasting council over report on Father Rydzyk

"The decision by the Chairman of the National Broadcasting Council to impose a fine on TVN24 for the report 29 Years of Impunity: The Phenomenon of Father Tadeusz, aired three years ago, is unlawful, infringes upon freedom of speech, and is yet another attempt to censor the media," TVN24 said in a statement.

"The Czarno na białym editorial team stands by all of its findings," the station added.

The statement from TVN24 also stressed that "viewers have a right to access reliable information, and it is the duty of journalists to present facts as they are." "We will always defend these fundamental values on which credible journalism is based."

"We will promptly appeal this decision in court," the broadcaster said.

The Chairman of KRRiT, Maciej Świrski, imposed a fine of over 142,000 zlotys on TVN for airing the report 29 Years of Impunity: The Phenomenon of Father Tadeusz.

According to Świrski, the report violated the Broadcasting Act by including "content inciting hatred or discrimination based on religion, beliefs, political views, or other opinions."

"The fine amounts to 142,800 zlotys, which is 85% of the maximum amount permitted by law. Over 25,000 complaints were filed by citizens regarding this program to the Chairman of KRRiT," Świrski stated on Thursday via the X platform.

"The monetary penalty must be paid within 14 days from the receipt of this decision to the account of the National Broadcasting Council," Świrski's decision stated.

Broadcasters have the right to appeal the decision in court.