Executive Producer of Newsmax Polska: Fighting Fake News Is a Priority, A True Media Outlet Must Stand for the Truth

Appearing on Viewpoint of the Day, Surmacz emphasized that colleagues in Warsaw have taken a step further and that Newsmax Polska television will soon be launched.

Surmacz emphasized that their primary business goal is to build a reliable newsroom that will provide accurate and verified information to the Polish public on a daily basis, while adhering to ethical and professional standards.

"This is what every media outlet should be doing, and we will do it fairly. We will be transparent, we will verify all the information we publish, and we will fight against all forms of fake news. Everything related to sound journalistic ethics and honest reporting will be available on our platform", he stated.

The Newsmax Polska web platform was launched at the end of April, and Surmacz noted that he has personally focused on developing digital platforms.

"I strongly believe in the ‘Digital First’ slogan. I would like Newsmax Polska to produce news in the same way and based on the same principles as is done in Serbia and the United States", he added.

Newsmax Polska is a new player in a large media market, and Surmacz says this represents a significant professional challenge for him and his colleagues.

Foto: Milena Đorđević

"I believe that there is room for everyone in every media market. Anyone can try their hand. I can only congratulate Newsmax for its courage, because it takes courage to enter the Polish media market", he said.

Strong Support from Colleagues for the Launch of Newsmax Polska

As he explained, the Polish media market is highly complex, as it has long been shaped by an ongoing information war.

"We face disinformation, fake news, and manipulation on a daily basis, and it is important to note that the war between Russia and Ukraine is still ongoing. The effects of that war are visible in our media landscape", Surmacz pointed out.

According to him, Newsmax Polska faced numerous accusations at the outset, including claims that it is a "Russian television".

Foto: Newsmax Balkans

"However, once my name appeared on air, people understood what this was about. As a journalist, it is difficult to accuse me of having any ties to Russia. Still, there are malicious trolls who continue to spread various allegations", he added.

Surmacz noted that while competitors are concerned about the launch of a new television channel, many colleagues are supportive.

"Many journalists support the idea of finally having a media outlet in the Polish market that will, above all, be normal", he said.

Surmacz is aware that hard work and major challenges lie ahead. No beginning is easy, but this does not discourage them.

Foto: Milena Đorđević

"The Polish audience is demanding, but also somewhat tired of the constant struggle between two opposing political currents. In Poland, there are left-wing and right-wing media outlets. Anyone who wants to find the truth has to spend considerable time watching both sides in order to understand it", he explained.

"Truth Is Never Popular; Poland Lacks Professional Foreign Policy Coverage"

When asked to describe the editorial policy and programming vision of their media house, Surmacz stressed that truth comes first, even though it has never been popular.

"Fake news almost always arrives first, and only then does the truth follow. We must chase those lies with the truth, and that will be our greatest challenge. A true media outlet should not compete in spreading such information, but rather in delivering the correct news", he said.

According to Surmacz, the Polish team will strive to balance political and economic coverage.

"Poles are very interested in foreign policy, and that is something Poland lacks. There is a shortage of professional reporting on international affairs, so I believe Newsmax will be a perfect choice for those who want to understand what is happening on the global political stage. We have Newsmax in the United States, which allows us to obtain first-hand information about developments there. These are strong advantages that can help us achieve solid results" he explained.

Foto: Newsmax Balkans

When asked how the newsroom plans to combat fake news, Surmacz said they will implement a well-developed internal verification system.

"I have experience from the Polish Press Agency in combating fake news. There, I established a special unit, the so-called ‘fake hunter.’ I plan to apply some of those ideas at Newsmax Polska", he said.

However, he emphasized that publishing the truth remains the top priority.

"Our viewers and readers will always have the opportunity to respond to information they find questionable. Everyone can make mistakes, no one is infallible. Those who work make mistakes. We will be careful, but errors can happen, and we rely on our audience to point them out. That is one way of verifying the news", Surmacz explained.

From Journalist to Head of an International TV Channel

During his appearance on Viewpoint of the day, the Executive Producer also spoke about his extensive journalistic career and early beginnings.

"I started as a journalist, then became a reporter, and later served as an editor and director of the Polish Press Agency. I worked at Newsweek, Forbes, and the economic daily Business Pulse", Surmacz recounted.

His media experience includes work in television, radio, and online platforms.

"I truly have extensive experience, but I never imagined, not even in my dreams, that one day I would become the head of a foreign television channel launching on the Polish market, under an American brand", Surmacz concluded.

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