POLES' TRUST IN VARIOUS  SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Television remains most Poles' basic form of obtaining information about the world, the country and the region. It is the most popular medium, easy to pick-up and more attractive than others. In May 2003, CBOS asked Poles where they got their information about the EU. As many as 73% said television, 47% radio and 46% the press. This clearly shows the extent to which television ad other media get through to their audience.

Poles trust the media by and large. The greatest trust is afforded the public media - above all Polish Radio (79% of those asked), followed by Polish Television (73%). The press has only slightly worse results, at 71%. In comparison with those institutions of societal communication, fewer people - although still a large majority of society (two thirds of those asked) - said they had confidence in private media: commercial radio (65%) and television (64%).

Why greater trust in public than private media? Maybe it is to do with the wide range of end-users within reach or maybe the power of familiarity is at work and the 'magic' associated with the public sector, which is less concerned with turning a profit and is therefore seen as more honest.

But maybe there is another explanation. After many decades of indoctrination, many Poles appreciate the changes that have taken place in the Polish media. At last the facts are presented from various points of view.