Polska Rozgłośnia Radia Wolna Europa w Nowym Jorku
Polish Station of Radio Free Europe in New York

Summary/Abstract: The Polish Station of Radio Free Europe in New York had commenced its activity almost two years earlier than the Munich station, i.e. in 1950. The first director in New York was Lesław Bodeński. After just one year, he was replaced by Stanisław Strzetelski, who appointed Zygmunt Lityński as his deputy. They resigned in 1955. Under their leadership, the RFE considerably developed its programme activity, hired several new permanent employees, thus expanding the editorial team, and, what is particularly important, acquired a new spacious office at the prestigious address of Park Avenue 110 West 57th Street in Manhattan. One of its significant programmes was a daily international commentary. Among some other distinguishing programmes there were also Jan Lechoń’s discussions at the round table presenting opinions of independent writers, scholars and specialists. The literary programme with a strong political tinge propagating the freedom of speech and beliefs placed special emphasis on the Polish cause. Politicians’ debates concentrating on various plans referring to the future democratic system of Poland and definitions of independence connected with the system were also presented on the Radio Free Europe, and in this context, attempts were made to find methods of developing so-called pressure groups which could effectively influence the American authorities. It was here that various ideas clashed, such as those considering cooperation with the so-called “old Polonia” [Polish community abroad], the establishment of new Polish organizations abroad, and political cooperation with other national groups within the context of joint organizations, e.g. the Assembly of Captive European Nations. It was here that disputes concerning the form of future Poland and its relations with the eastern neighbours were carried on. Thus different political thoughts clashed in the programmes; they were presented by outstanding leaders or representatives of Polish political parties, both those who had come to America and those who had arrived from London. In 1955 St. Strzetelski resigned from his post and Z. Lityński left together with him. Jan Nowak-Jeziorański became the director of both sections, the one in New York and that in Munich. Paying attention to the teams’ autonomy, Nowak still had a considerable influence on their programme policy. He appointed Marek Święcicki as the New York branch director, who however held this office for a short time only. Next, Karol Wagner--Pieńkowski was appointed as the branch director. Radio Free Europe finalized its activity in New York in December 1973. For two more years the branch received funds and functioned with a radically reduced editorial staff. At first, there were two editors and in the final year, only one, who was the New York correspondent of the Munich branch.

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