KMT 2021 nr 3 Download PDF

Polish Section of Radio Free Europe broadcasts about Father Jerzy Popiełuszko from his abduction to his funeral (19 October–3 November 1984)

Cite: , Audycje Rozgłośni Polskiej Radia Wolna Europa o ks. Jerzym Popiełuszce od porwania do pogrzebu (19 X–3 XI 1984 roku), "Kultura - Media - Teologia", 2021( 46) nr 3, s. 96-115.

DOI: 10.21697/kmt.46.5

The kidnapping, death and funeral of Father Jerzy Popiełuszko in the fall of 1984 was an important topic of the Polish Section of Radio Free Europe (RWE) broadcasts. A search of broadcasts archived on the Polish Radio portal shows that from 19 October to 3 November 1984, RWE devoted both cyclical and special broadcasts to Father Popiełuszko’s case, as well as broadcasting earlier reports (broadcasts) of, among other things, sermons, meditations, church services led by Father Jerzy Popiełuszko, and also of his the funeral Mass. Among the materials prepared by RWE journalists are radio informational, journalistic and mixed genresplace. An important position among the programmes broadcast to Poland were the correspondences of RWE collaborators from all over the world. The listeners of Polish Section of RWE were informed on an ongoing basis and in an objective and exhaustive manner about the kidnapping, murder and funeral of Father Jerzy Popiełuszko. They could learn the opinions not only of RWE editors, but also of important figures and observers from all over the world. The sense of freedom in the air, which the Poles imprisoned behind the Iron Curtain were given by the Polish section of the RWE broadcaster, was the basis for building and strengthening resistance against totalitarian rule, and ultimately for the downfall of the entire system.

About authors

Ewa Czaczkowska

ORCID: 0000-0001-5605-2967