Controversy Over Polish Parliament’s Media Access

Learner News | 30/10/2024

This edition of Polish Learner News examines the tensions surrounding media access in the Parliament, plans for improving journalistic facilities, and a key political figure’s stance on ensuring balanced collaboration with the press. Read on for more insights!

Controversy Over Polish Parliament's Media Access

The news in Polish

Szymon Hołownia, Marszałek1 Sejmu, został oskarżony2 o ograniczenie3 dostępu dziennikarzy4 do Sejmu. Powiedział, że nie wprowadził żadnych formalnych restrykcji5 . Dziennikarze mogą korzystać z wyznaczonych miejsc i planuje się stworzenie nowej sali medialnej. Hołownia chce dobrej współpracy z mediami, ale z poszanowaniem6 przestrzeni pracy.

  1. marszałek (m.)
    osoba pełniąca najwyższą funkcję w Sejmie lub Senacie ↩︎
  2. oskarżyć
    postawić kogoś w stan zarzutu popełnienia przestępstwa ↩︎
  3. ograniczenie (n.)
    działanie lub środek zmniejszający możliwość korzystania z jakiegoś dobra ↩︎
  4. dziennikarz (m.)
    osoba zajmująca się zbieraniem i przetwarzaniem informacji dla mediów ↩︎
  5. restrykcja (f.)
    środek ograniczający lub zakazujący czegoś ↩︎
  6. poszanowanie (n.)
    okazywanie respektu lub uznania dla kogoś lub czegoś ↩︎

Translation

Szymon Hołownia, the Marshal of the Sejm, has been accused of restricting journalists’ access to the Sejm. He stated that no formal restrictions have been imposed. Journalists are allowed to use designated areas and there are plans to create a new media room. Hołownia aims for good cooperation with the media, while respecting the working environment.

Text Comprehension

Question: Who is accused of limiting media access to the Parliament?

Szymon Hołownia is accused of limiting media access to the Parliament.

Question: What is planned for journalists in the Parliament building?

A new media room is planned for journalists in the Parliament building.

Vocabulary

PolishEnglish
marszałek (m.)marshal
oskarżyćaccuse
ograniczenie (n.)restriction
dziennikarz (m.)journalist
restrykcja (f.)restriction
poszanowanie (n.)respect

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Read the full story

During a televised report, Katarzyna Karpa-Świderek, Director of the Media Service Office of the Sejm Chancellery, explained that there are moments when the Speaker requires a quiet environment, stressing that journalists have designated areas, like common rooms, where they can work and enjoy refreshments. The parliamentary officials are reportedly in the process of creating a new media room to better accommodate journalistic activities, indicating that the current arrangement in the parliamentary corridors might not be ideal for media operations.

Szymon Hołownia, addressing the issue, denied any formal restrictions on journalists. He emphasized that traditionally there was a mutual understanding among media personnel and parliamentary officials, which ensured that scheduled interviews could occur without impromptu gatherings outside offices. He described these reports of restriction as being “blown out of proportion.” Hołownia reassured that the aim was merely to streamline cooperation with the media while maintaining the workspace’s integrity for all.

Controversy Over Polish Parliament's Media Access
Controversy Over Polish Parliament’s Media Access

Hołownia, reflecting on his term, stated his openness to the media, asserting that he had given more interviews than the two previous Speakers combined over the past eight years. He reaffirmed his commitment to open communication but highlighted the need for maintaining what he termed an “ecological balance” in the collaborative dynamic between media personnel and parliamentary staff. According to him, previous informal agreements on media interactions appeared to have been breached, leading to these misunderstandings.

This unfolding situation in the Polish Parliament underscores the ongoing discussions around media freedoms and accessibility in governmental spaces, highlighting the need for clarity and mutual respect in professional engagements.

Info: “Polish Learner News” is a service from “Let’s Learn Polish,” a language school offering a variety of online Polish courses. Whether you’re a beginner or seeking advanced proficiency, our courses cater to diverse learning needs.


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