TVN announced officially today that it has secured a Dutch broadcasting license for its TVN24 news channel, thanks to which the channel will be able to continue broadcasting in Poland if the National Broadcasting Council does not extend its Polish license expiring on September 26.

“The most important mission of TVN24 is to provide viewers with constant access to independent, fact-based and verified information. Considering the unjustified suspension of the decision on the renewal of the TVN24 license by the National Broadcasting Council for one and a half years, we must be ready for any eventuality. Therefore, in July this year a Dutch broadcasting license has been applied for and has been granted. If the National Broadcasting Council does not issue a decision to extend the TVN24 license until September 26, further broadcasting will be possible, in accordance with Polish and EU law, by the Dutch license. However, we still believe that we will not be forced to take advantage of it. We meet all the conditions to obtain a license in Poland, so we appeal for it to be granted immediately.

We would also like to emphatically emphasize that obtaining a license for the TVN24 channel in the Netherlands in no way solves the problem we are dealing with in connection with the amendment to the Act on Radio and Television passed by the Sejm. In its present shape, it hits all our channels, including TVN, undermining freedom of speech, media independence and private property. We again urge the authorities to reject this harmful amendment. We are also fully determined to defend the right of our viewers and all Poles to free media and free choice.”