Poles to protest bill that would silence US-owned TV network

Nationwide demonstrations are planned across Poland against a bill seen as an effort by the country’s nationalist ruling party to silence an independent, U.S.-owned television broadcaster that is often critical of the government

WARSAW, Poland -- Nationwide demonstrations were planned Tuesday in Poland against a bill widely viewed as a effort by the country’s nationalist ruling party to silence an independent, U.S.-owned television broadcaster critical of the government. Technically, the bill would prevent non-European owners from having controlling stakes in Polish media companies. In practice, it would push American company Discovery Inc. to sell its controlling stake in TVN, a network with many channels that operates all-news station TVN24 and has a flagship evening news program that is watched by millions daily. At stake in the bill’s passage is Poland’s reputation for media freedom and as a place for foreign companies to do business. The proposal is already straining relations with the United States, a key ally. Poland's ruling party, Law and Justice, has long sought to nationalize the media, citing national security, and says the law would bring Poland into line with other European countries, including France and Germany, which limit foreign ownership in the media sector. It cites the risk of media being controlled by hostile powers like Russia and China.