On January 31, 2025, TV Republika made headlines by shattering viewership records, proving once again that bold, unfiltered journalism resonates with the public. The station emerged as the top choice for Polish viewers in the general audience group (ages 4 and up), outpacing well-established networks such as TVP1, Polsat, and TVN24—a testament to its innovative coverage and fearless approach.
That morning, while Zbigniew Ziobro was slated to appear before the Pegasus inquiry commission, fate had a different plan. Instead of waiting in a courtroom, the former Justice Minister chose to join TV Republika’s live program. His unexpected decision set off a chain of events that would captivate millions of viewers nationwide.
A Bold Turn of Events
Early in the day, police from Skierniewice and Łódź arrived at Ziobro’s residence—around 6:00 AM—to escort him to the commission. Despite multiple attempts to gain entry, officials were met with silence at the door, as the addresses provided by the court led nowhere. It was then that Ziobro himself opted for a different venue: the newsroom of TV Republika.
TV Republika transformed what could have been a standard political episode into an unforgettable broadcast. In a dramatic moment emblematic of the station’s dedication to high-caliber journalism, its editor-in-chief initially barred police access by deploying an anti-intrusion shutter. This unexpected move only heightened the tension, setting the stage for a riveting live segment.
As Ziobro concluded an in-depth conversation with host Michał Rachoń, he was escorted into a police vehicle. In a scene that would later become one of the day’s most talked-about moments, Michal Rachon—caught up in the unfolding drama—ran alongside the car, capturing every moment on film. TV Republika’s cameras were there to document it all, and the resulting footage, coupled with incisive commentary, drew even more viewers to the screen.
A Victory in Numbers
According to Nielsen Media Research, TV Republika not only led the general viewership ratings (4+) but did so while broadcasting an event of national significance. Although the station placed eighth in the key 16–59 demographic—a category highly prized by advertisers—the overall achievement underscored the broad appeal of its programming and its commitment to delivering news that matters to all Poles.
Jarosław Olechowski, the head of TV Republika’s publishing team, celebrated the station’s triumph on social media with unbridled enthusiasm:
“On Friday, TV Republika was the most-watched television station in Poland! We didn’t just beat the news channels—we outperformed every broadcaster!”
Ziobro’s Live Appearance: A Symbol of Defiant Journalism
By choosing live television over a potentially stifling courtroom appearance, Zbigniew Ziobro reinforced a core value of TV Republika: the relentless pursuit of transparency and immediacy in reporting. His decision turned a day that could have been marred by political maneuvering into a powerful statement about accountability and the importance of being present when history unfolds.
In a media landscape often criticized for its cautious, sanitized coverage, TV Republika’s record-breaking broadcast stands as a bold reminder that when news is delivered live, with authenticity and vigor, it has the power to capture and unite an entire nation.