Danuta Holecka, journalist at Telewizja Republika, has been awarded the top prize by the Association of Polish Journalists (SDP) for her “publications in defense of truth, freedom, and justice.” During her emotional acceptance speech, Holecka emphasized the importance of humanity in her journalistic work, shedding light on the personal connections behind the headlines. The ceremony also included moving tributes to her colleagues at Telewizja Republika.
On Tuesday, Holecka received the prestigious SDP award. The laudatory speech was delivered by Dr. Jolanta Hajdasz, president of the SDP’s Press Freedom Monitoring Center, who praised Holecka’s credibility among viewers and her interviews with individuals wronged by those in power. Following Hajdasz’s remarks, Holecka took the stage to deliver a heartfelt speech.
“As President Hajdasz read the laudation, I kept wondering: is she really talking about me? […] It’s not about stardom or being the best in the world at something. It’s about connecting with the person next to you—often someone who’s been hurt—and doing everything you can to earn their trust and not let them down. You want them to say what they need to say, what people should hear—about that individual, but also, through these conversations, about what’s really happening in our country.”
“I Try to Be Human”
Holecka reflected on advice from clergy who had known Pope John Paul II. When asked what the Holy Father was like, she recalled, “They all said the same thing: he didn’t offer answers or recipes—he just listened.” She added:
“I also try to listen to my guests. That’s the key. Of course, I prepare for interviews, I learn all I can—but when it starts, I just listen. Because a guest doesn’t want to talk to a ‘star’—whoever that might be—they want to talk to a person. Even politicians who come to our studio just want to be heard by a fellow human being. That’s why I try to always listen, to be human, and above all—to show respect to the person I’m talking to.”
A Family Called Republika
Holecka revealed that she initially hesitated to accept the nomination, unsure whether she was ready for such a public occasion:
“I’m going through a difficult time in my life. For many months now, I’ve been simply doing what needs to be done—helping in any way I can. That’s how I view this job: as a mission. And in the past year, it has also become a kind of therapy for me.”
She expressed deep gratitude to her colleagues:
“I want to thank Telewizja Republika for giving me that therapy—and for each day of support. I thank Tomasz Sakiewicz, Michał Rachoń, Jarek Olechowski—whom I’ve known for years—and Kasia Gójską, who isn’t here but I know she’s with me. I once told you, Michał, and the others, that you’re like family to me. I wasn’t saying that to be polite—that’s truly how I feel. Thank you for every gesture, for every bit of support during this time.”
She dedicated the award to her sons, calling them “my world and my treasure,” and concluded:
“No one has ever shown me as much respect and support as I’ve received at Republika. That means more than anything else right now. Because what truly matters is respect—not being judged every day, not being hated—but receiving kindness. You are my friends, that’s all there is to say. Thank you all.”
“There Would Be No Republika Without Danuta”
After Holecka’s speech, Telewizja Republika’s editor-in-chief Tomasz Sakiewicz took the stage to pay tribute:
“There wouldn’t be a Republika today without Danusia—and her husband, who comes here every day. He’s not on staff, but he’s here more often than many of our journalists.”
He concluded with a final note of appreciation:
“Thank you for everything you do for us. Danusia said it best—media should bring people together. And that’s especially true in her case. We wouldn’t have the reach we do—millions of viewers—if not for Danuta. Thank you so much.”