The 2025 presidential debate on TVP has sparked a heated row. Candidates and their campaign teams objected to Dorota Wysocka-Schnepf hosting the event. What’s behind the dispute, and what are its consequences?
Who is editor Dorota Wysocka-Schnepf?
Dorota Wysocka-Schnepf is an experienced journalist at Telewizja Polska. After a break of several years, she returned to TVP in February 2024, presenting, among others, „Pytanie dnia”, „Rozmowy niesymetryczne” and „Niebezpieczne związki”. Recently she also became the host of a new programme, „Jak nas widzą”, on TVP Polonia, where she talks with foreign correspondents and experts.
The row over hosting the presidential debate
The 2025 presidential elections are fast approaching, and the debate organised by TVP, TVN24 and Polsat News was meant to be one of the most important events of the campaign. However, the choice of Dorota Wysocka-Schnepf as presenter provoked objections from most of the candidates’ campaign teams.
- During the meeting of campaign representatives, as many as 8 voted in favour of changing the presenter.
- The dispute lasted over 20 minutes, and the final decision was to be made the next day.
- The candidates argued that Wysocka-Schnepf does not guarantee objectivity, and that her style of work raises concerns both among the opposition and among some members of the ruling coalition.
Behind the scenes and the arguments of each side
Events in the TVP studio can be reviewed in the material on Kanał Zero:
Why do the candidates not want Schnepf?
Campaign representatives stressed that the debate’s requirements clearly point to the need for impartiality and equal treatment of all participants. In many people’s view, Dorota Wysocka-Schnepf does not meet these criteria, and her way of presenting programmes has even been described as „clumsy propaganda”.
PiS deputy spokesman Mateusz Kurzejewski openly called her „the leading propagandist of TVP in liquidation” and put the matter to a vote, which confirmed the reluctance of most campaign teams toward this candidacy.
What next for the debate and Schnepf's role?
TVP has not given a clear answer to questions about changing the presenter. Representatives of the broadcaster said the final line-up of hosts will be announced once all details have been agreed. The debate is scheduled for 12 May and will be broadcast by the country’s largest news channels.
Wider context
The Schnepf affair shows how strongly the question of objectivity in public media stirs emotions today. For many participants in the political dispute, it is not only a personal matter but a symbol of a broader problem – trust in the media and their role in democracy. The case of Dorota Wysocka-Schnepf may be the start of a more serious debate on journalistic standards in Poland.
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