I often wondered what it’s like to sit in on a general assembly meeting at the United Nations. I imagine all those people watching speakers and listening on earphones to interpreters. Today I had that experience as the class attended a conference of Polish dignitaries debating the challenges of content and finance in Polish Public media.
The distinguished speakers included professors from our host, Jagiellonian University, the Polish Minister of Culture, the head of of the Polish National Broadcasting Council, a Professor from the Ukraine where they just begat public broadcasting in April this year, and of course our honored Professor Mierzejewska. (She was an energizing and articulate breath of fresh air among a sea of powerful and serious men).
This discussion was a great example of how similar our cultures are. The debates remain the same. What is the role and responsibility of Public Broadcasting in today’s Internet-on-demand society. Which is the priority, content or distribution? Both the heads of the Public Radio Stations and Public TV stations were resolved to make the best of the funding they have through austerity and creativity. Still, how do these institutions create relevancy? Sound familiar PBS and NPR?
While Poland is only beginning to see the broadband advances of technology, (Netflix and Roku have yet to arrive.) they are carefully watching the U.S. for signs of successes to emulate and disasters to avoid. Well at least they don't have Fox News breathing down their neck… yet. Turns out Murdoch tried a stint in Poland, lost money and left town wallet in hand 18 months later. Ahhh there is great hope for Poland!
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