Jerzy Owsiak, the president of WOŚP (one of Poland's largest non-governmental organizations, known for its annual fundraising campaigns), stated during a press conference about the 33rd final of the event that companies supporting the charity cannot advertise on TV Republika.
He accuses the channel of spreading hate against the organization, which raises funds each year to support healthcare services in Poland.
Owsiak criticizes TV Republika’s negative coverage of WOŚP
The head of WOŚP believes that the values of his charity and the views of TV Republika cannot align.
The network, which supports the right-wing opposition party Law and Justice (PiS) and has been critical of the charity, was the center of a campaign called "I Don’t Give to Owsiak, I Support Republika."
Recently, threats were posted on social media, including messages like "Die, man," accusing Owsiak of financial misconduct. The perpetrators claimed their actions were fueled by emotions stirred up by the channel.
Lidl responds to dispute between WOŚP and TV Republika
In response, Lidl emphasized its neutrality and desire to reach a broad customer base, which is why it advertises on different networks.
The company’s spokesperson, Aleksandra Robaszkiewicz, stated that Lidl builds its operations on universal values like respect, empathy, and sensitivity to others, regardless of political views, gender, nationality, or religion.
Lidl has ads booked on TV Republika until March 2025, but if no agreement is reached, the company plans to end its cooperation.
Hate in numbers: right-wing media's attack on WOŚP reaches 13 million
A report from the Institute of Media Monitoring shows that in January 2025, coverage of the charity on TV Republika and another right-wing channel, wPolsce24, was largely negative, focusing on attacking the foundation and questioning its transparency.
These broadcasts reached 13 million viewers in Poland, with an estimated advertising value of over 3.82 million PLN (about 0.91 million EUR or 0.94 million USD).
Source: IAR/PAP
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