Public television and political debate in Poland

Dorota Piontek

The existence of public television in Poland is the result of many social and political factors. It is taken for granted that television has a comprehensive and multidimensional influence which means that its functioning should be under special protection. This influence may be manifested in shaping social norms and motivating the receivers to accept and realize attitudes functional to the changing social environment Deregulation orelse deceniralization of the television market by admitting private, commercial broadcasters has been limited by the system of support and protection of public teievision, provided with specific functions of a special social importance, From the point of view of a democratic political system the existence of public televisioncannot be overestimated as public radio and television arę the only media which may be demanded to initiate, allow and organize political debates.

KEYWORDS

public television, political debate, infórmation and publicity programmes