# Poland public media and regulatory disputes

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/poland-public-media-and-regulatory-disputes
> Updated: 2026-11-10T00:20:59.000Z. Sources: 45. Developments: 5.

Legal and regulatory tensions have emerged regarding Polish media operations. In October 2026, the District Prosecutor's Office in Warsaw declined to investigate the liquidation of public media, including TVP and Polish Radio, after determining the Minister of Culture acted within legal boundaries.

By November 2026, the focus shifted to specific broadcasting conduct following a mass shooting in Krakow’s Main Market Square on November 7, 2026. The attack, carried out by 24-year-old Michał Oksiński using automatic weapons, resulted in six deaths and 16 injuries. Two police officers, Jakub Kulik and Artur Morański, sustained injuries while engaging the perpetrator. Oksiński died in the hospital on November 9, and authorities later discovered his parents and sister had also died in his home in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyskie. The suspect possessed four firearms and approximately 500 rounds of ammunition. In response, Prime Minister Donald Tusk pledged extraordinary state assistance, while police detained nine individuals for allegedly glorifying the crime online. Following the tragedy, the Polish government announced an analysis of firearm regulations.

Minister of Culture Marta Cienkowska filed a formal complaint with the National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) against TV Republika, accusing the station of transmitting unverified information that could escalate public panic. Editor-in-chief Tomasz Sakiewicz allegedly suggested during a live broadcast that police were absent from the scene due to protests in Warsaw, and claimed the attack might involve foreigners, despite evidence showing a rapid police response and a Polish suspect. 

KRRiT Chair Agnieszka Glapiak has launched an inquiry into whether the station violated the Radio and Television Act by spreading disinformation and inciting panic. Following the coverage, the electronics retailer RTV EURO AGD suspended advertising on TV Republika, prompting Sakiewicz to call for a boycott of the company, which he accused of attempting to intimidate journalists.

## Claims

- Six people died in the Krakow shooting. (reported by 17 sources)
- 16 people were injured in the attack. (reported by 10 sources)
- Tomasz Sakiewicz suggested on air that police were absent from the Krakow shooting site. (reported by 9 sources)
- Minister of Culture Marta Cienkowska filed a formal complaint with KRRiT regarding TV Republika's coverage. (reported by 8 sources)
- The perpetrator, Michał Oksiński, died in the hospital on Monday. (reported by 8 sources)
- KRRiT Chair Agnieszka Glapiak has initiated explanatory proceedings following complaints. (reported by 6 sources)
- Two police officers, Jakub Kulik and Artur Morański, were among the injured. (reported by 6 sources)
- The shooting suspect was identified as a 24-year-old Pole from Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski. (reported by 4 sources)
- Sakiewicz claimed on air that the attack was likely committed by a group of foreigners. (reported by 4 sources)
- The suspect's parents and sister were found dead in his home in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyskie. (reported by 4 sources)
- The suspect had four firearms, including two AR-15 rifles, and about 500 rounds of ammunition. (reported by 4 sources)
- RTV EURO AGD is suspending its advertisements on TV Republika. (reported by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-11-10: Poland regulator investigates Telewizja Republika over Krakow shooting coverage

Poland’s media regulator is investigating Telewizja Republika for allegedly spreading disinformation about police presence during a fatal shooting in Krakow.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-regulator-investigates-telewizja-republika-over-krakow-shooting-coverage

### 2026-11-09: Krakow shooting: Six dead and dozens injured in mass attack

A mass shooting in Krakow, Poland, left six people dead and 16 injured. The perpetrator died in hospital following an exchange of gunfire with police. The government is now reviewing firearm regulations.

23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tomasz-sakiewicz-criticized-for-reporting-on-krakow-shooting

### 2026-11-09: RTV EURO AGD withdraws advertising from TV Republika

RTV EURO AGD is withdrawing ads from TV Republika following controversial coverage of the Krakow shooting. TV Republika’s president has responded by calling for a consumer boycott of the retailer.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rtv-euro-agd-withdraws-advertisements-from-tv-republika

### 2026-11-07: KRRiT investigates TV Republika over Krakow shooting coverage

Poland's KRRiT is investigating TV Republika for its coverage of the Krakow shooting, following allegations of misinformation and claims that police were absent from the scene.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/polands-culture-minister-files-complaint-against-tv-republika

### 2026-10-19: Poland: Prosecutors decline investigation into public media liquidation

Warsaw prosecutors have refused to investigate the liquidation of Poland's public media, ruling that the dissolution of state media companies by the Ministry of Culture was within legal limits.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-prosecutors-decline-investigation-into-public-media-liquidation

---
Cite as: Poland public media and regulatory disputes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/poland-public-media-and-regulatory-disputes
