Several advertisers approached me with a proposal that if we ceased our radical criticism of Donald Tusk and Jerzy Owsiak, they would continue to air advertisements with us, revealed Tomasz Sakiewicz, President of TV Republika. “We are facing brutal blackmail,” he stated in a special announcement.
During a press conference summarizing the 33rd Grand Finale of WOŚP, Jerzy Owsiak, who openly supports the Civic Platform and its candidates, declared that any company wishing to cooperate with WOŚP and advertise on TV Republika “must choose.” This pertains to companies purchasing new advertising packages on the station and not those with existing contracts.
Owsiak employed blackmail aimed at destroying the largest news station in Poland. TV Republika’s Program Director Michał Rachoń and President Tomasz Sakiewicz broadcast a special statement today, revealing shocking facts.
This is a pivotal moment in Polish democracy, especially in the most sensitive area, which is freedom of speech. In the coming hours or days, it will be decided whether freedom of speech will continue to exist in Poland, said Sakiewicz.
“Such an attack on freedom of speech has not occurred in Poland since 1989. We must oppose it with all legally available means,” added the President of Republika.
Michał Rachoń explained that TV Republika has surpassed TVN 24, which had dominated the Polish television market for years. On a new video wall, purchased thanks to viewer support, a chart was displayed showing the changes in viewership.
Brutal Blackmail Following Owsiak’s Attack on Republika
In recent days, you have likely heard threats about us losing our broadcasting license. These threats involve shutting down our signal either through court rulings, regulatory actions by the National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT), which is set to be taken over, or even police intervention. We have begun to safeguard ourselves against this and have taken several steps to prevent the signal from being cut off. Then came the next attack—an attempt to cut us off from funding, targeting our foundation, and intimidating our advertisers, said Tomasz Sakiewicz.
Advertisers are victims here. Most of them do not share the views of the current regime in Poland. But as one of them told me, “Sir, I am simply afraid for my company and myself.” Several approached me with a proposal that if we ceased radical criticism of Donald Tusk and Jerzy Owsiak, they would continue to air advertisements with us, revealed the President of Republika.
Sakiewicz added that Republika had spoken up for flood victims and wanted Jerzy Owsiak to clarify what happened to the government funds he received to aid those affected.
Nigdy nie zdradzimy naszych widzów. Reklamodawcy też są ofiarami, tego co się dzieje. https://t.co/Nl30lztJxe
— Tomasz Sakiewicz (@TomaszSakiewicz) January 30, 2025
His reaction indicated that he had something to hide. From that moment on, an incredible wave of hate began. We received death threats against ourselves and our children, said Sakiewicz, adding that “none of the real perpetrators of the threats against us have been found,” even though those allegedly making threats against Owsiak were swiftly apprehended.
“Today, they proposed to us—there will be no problem, you will have money if you betray your viewers. Well, no, we will not betray you!” assured President Sakiewicz.
TV Republika Will Always Choose Viewers
We are ready to bear all consequences for our loyalty to you and the truth. The fact that Tusk wants to destroy us while supporting a station he considers strategic is one aspect of this issue. But attempting to silence any criticism of a man who has become a significant figure in the ruling camp—Jerzy Owsiak—who participated in the most disgraceful act of intimidating advertisers, is another.
Look at who advertises with us. If someone does, let’s support these people. But we cannot allow ourselves to sell you out for Judas’ silver coins, added Sakiewicz.
TV Republika’s Program Director Michał Rachoń emphasized that “when faced with the choice between viewers and money from businessmen, Republika will always choose viewers.”