Shaping Poland’s Image in Mainstream Media - Symposium in NY

“During their recent visits to the US, Polish President Andrzej Duda, Minister of Foreign Affairs Witold Waszczykowski and Undersecretary of State Jan Dziedziczak all called on Polish Americans to engage in building a positive image of Poland,” says APAC Executive Director Darek Barcikowski. “This symposium is our response to their appeal.”

The main goal of the daylong meeting will be to discuss how Poland is portrayed by US and global media outlets and to ascertain how that image can be influenced by Polish Americans as well as Poland itself. APAC has vowed to present a summary of the debate as well as a set of recommendations to interested parties and the Polish government.

“During the symposium we will not only discuss how contemporary affairs in Poland are covered but a significant part of the debate will pertain to Poland’s history,” says APAC President General Edward Ronwy. “The inaccurate representation of Poland’s history in media, such as the usage of the reference to “Polish concentration camps” is an ongoing issue. This is a top concern not only for the Polish American community but also for the Polish government. A prime example of the significance of this issue is the recent debate in Poland over a law that would make the use of this particular reference a punishable offence,” adds Rowny.

One of the day’s main speakers will be Polish Senator Anna Maria Anders who also serves as Poland’s Minister for International Dialogue. The symposium will consist of three panel discussions which will examine and discuss the role and position of Polish American organizations, media, the Polish government as well as other stakeholders. “We want to hear from Polish American and Polish media but our goal is to engage mainstream US outlets which shape public opinion such as the New York Times or Washington Post,” says Barcikowski. “We also want to examine how other nations influence their image and how they engage their own diaspora communities or paid professionals.”

The symposium is the first evet which will exclusively deal with the subject of Poland’s image. “This is a topic that is often discussed in Polish American circles, we are confident that our event will foster a debate that will lead to an effective strategy and action plan,” says APAC Executive Director.

The event is open to the public and participants can register at: https://goo.gl/VN9Wp4 or by visiting the APAC webpage at: www.americanpolishadvisorycouncil.org. Seating is limited and early registration is recommended. The cost to attend the symposium is $65 and includes lunch.

Guest registration will open at 9 am and the program will run from 10 am until 4 pm.

The Kosciuszko Foundation

15 E 65th St., in New York

www.americanpolishadvisorycouncil.org