What changes are expected at BELSAT?
On Thursday, BELSAT deputy director Beata Paklepa was appointed as channel’s new director to replace Agnieszka Romaszewska who was dismissed from her post “for ignoring the decisions of the supervisory board”. On the following day, Pavel Mazheika, the host of Guest at Belsat show, resigned voluntarily.
The European Radio for Belarus decided to find out what changes in the channel’s programming could be expected in the light of the recent developments. BELSAT spokesman Siarhei Pialesa told Euroradio that Beata Paklepa was promoted while on holidays. She has not reported back to work yet, so it is too early yet to talk about any changes in the programming policy of the channel. Regarding Pavel Mazheika’s resignation, Pialesa described it as an emotional step.
“I think Pavel made an emotional decision, as the editorial office had not been informed about it. In fact, he had made up his mind before it became known that the channel would continue to operate, in accordance with the statement voiced by the press secretary of the Polish Television. Quite frankly, I can’t say more, but I think the operation of the channel is not under threat. If Mazheika refuses to work indeed, his show will be hosted by someone else”, said Pialesa.
Mazheika has worked with BELSAT since the very first days of planning and operation.
“I liked working at BELSAT…”, he said.
According to BELSAT spokesman Siarhei Pialesa, the change of the management and the resignation of one of the hosts have not affected the already announced programs and the operation of the channel in general.
“We continue to work as usual. We were definitely surprised with this decision (to dismiss Romaszewska), but there is no threat. We have funding, the staff continues working, and the broadcasts will not be disrupted. We have a totally working atmosphere”, said Pialesa.
“Paradoxically, but this news has made us more consolidated. Not only in Poland and Belarus. Even those working for us in Germany or the Czech Republic have expressed their support and solidarity”.
Edward Melnikau, the host of Forum weekly show on BELSAT, was similar in his comments on the situation. He said:
“We don’t feel any negative drastic changes. The work continues, stability is there. Moreover, we hope that this situation will be resolved in a positive way. I will not go into details, because the situation has emerged in Warsaw, and I am not in the position to comment. But, we hope for the best. We are working as before. Everything is stable, and we will continue working”.
Photo: http://www.belsat.eu/
