Poland Picks Former Ruling-Party Strategist to Run Public TV

  • Described self as ``bull terrier'' of ruling party founders
  • Appointment follows European inquiries over media freedom
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Poland’s government appointed a former ruling-party lawmaker and election strategist to run public television, making good on a pledge to wield more influence in media that has triggered criticism in Europe.

Treasury Minister Dawid Jackiewicz picked Jacek Kurski, who has described himself as a “bull terrier” of Law & Justice party founders Jaroslaw Kaczynski and his twin, the late president Lech Kaczynski, for the post. The move comes one day after President Andrzej Duda signed into a law contested legislation giving the government direct control over appointments in public broadcasters.