Agata Rozumko, 29, a university lecturer
Answers
- I think that all three functions of the media are equally important. The media should present the news, offer entertaining programmes or articles, and documentaries or films of educational value. All these can be found in the media, but their quality is not always good. The news is intended to shock, while entertainment programmes or articles are often stupid and stupefying, and the educational ones are often short and superficial.
- In my opinion the media should attempt to maintain a balance between the things that people want and the things that shape their taste and educate them. I think we need to accept the fact that some people will never achieve, or even aspire to achieve, high standards (intellectual, social or moral), and they will not like high standards in the media. Other people, on the other hand, will appreciate it.
- I do not think it is possible for the media to be fully objective and un-biased. The media always present somebody’s opinion and somebody’s point of view on the situation, not just facts. Journalists are entitled to present their personal views. The media should allow discussion by those who have conflicting views, and present different aspects of the problem.
- A recent survey conducted by the EU seems to show that the Polish media are much less objective and less unbiased than those of the countries belonging to the EU, and that they are as unobjective as those in Afghanistan or Belarus. I do not think it is true, or to be precise, I think it is only partly true. The public TV channels do indeed devote more time to presenting the actions of the ruling party than those of the opposition, but I don’t think it is as bad as in Afghanistan.
- I am not quite sure. I think introducing any kind of censorship is dangerous and leads to control over the media. On the other hand, the media should not insult anybody. I think that journalists should have a kind of ‘filter’ in their minds which would help them to avoid subjects which only shock, disgust and frighten, and have no informative or educational value.
- I don’t value any medium higher than the others. I watch TV and listen to the radio every day because it is easy - you only have to switch it on. I watch the news - Fakty (TVN) - I think it is quite objective and informative. I don’t really have time for more TV programmes. I listen to music on the radio - RMF FM or Radio Zet - while cooking or reading. I read newspapers and magazines mostly on the train or when I’m ill and have more time. I read Polityka and Gazeta Wyborcza because they both have quite long articles about cultural events, history and current affairs, which I like.
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