The free press is a cornerstone of democracy. People have a
need to know. Journalists have a right to tell. A free Press, at
its best, reveals the truth.     – The Newseum, Washington, DC

Europe & Eurasia

Poland

   

{This graph represents scores that have been modified by CIMA so that higher scores indicate a better media situation. It is intended to show trends over time; each index measures significantly different factors of press freedom. To see an explanation for how this graph was created, click here.}
  

Freedom House Score: 25 (Free) [Freedom House Methodology]
{Lower is Better, Score Ranges from 0 to 100}  


 

 

RSF Score: 8.80 [RSF Methodology]
{Lower is Better, Score Ranges from 0 to ~120}  


Reporters Without Borders Description:

The media reform that was confirmed by the Constitutional Court in September 2008 bans journalists from publishing articles that have not been checked and approved by people quoted in the article. Going beyond an automatic right to reply, the new law establishes “prior censorship”, leaving all editorial freedom at the mercy of the most arbitrary re-reading. This is in complete contradiction to European standards and likely to reduce the press to a pure propaganda role.

Just as surprising was a clause in the new criminal law, Article 132a, allowing three-year jail terms for anyone publicly defaming the Polish nation. Fortunately this was struck out by the Constitutional Court.
 

Read more on RSF’s site…

 

 

Committee to Protect Journalists Description: [What is the Committee to Protect Journalists?]

Visit CPJ’s Site for Recent Developments in this Country

 

IFEX News: [What is IFEX?]

Visit IFEX’s Site for Recent News on Media in this Country