Radio Maryja

Radio Maryja, a Polish socio-Catholic radio station, was founded on December 8, 1991, in Toruń by the Redemptorists, with Father Tadeusz Rydzyk as its director. The station's headquarters are located in the Chełmińskie Przedmieście district at 80 Żwirki i Wigury Street. Radio Maryja broadcasts under a nationwide license, and its programming focuses on religious and social issues from the perspective of Catholic Church teachings. The station has a wide reach, transmitting from 126 transmitters across Poland, as well as via satellite to Europe and North America. The history of the radio dates back to a decision made in 1990 at the Divine Mercy Sanctuary in Łagiewniki; the first programs began airing in December 1991. The station gained popularity as a socio-religious medium by organizing pilgrimages, including to Jasna Góra, where it gathers large crowds of the faithful. Despite this, Radio Maryja has been and continues to be the subject of numerous controversies and criticisms, both from Church hierarchs and the media. Among its critics was Bishop Tadeusz Pieronek, who pointed to the station's dangerous and discrediting approach to Christianity. The radio has been accused of engaging in politics, which has raised concerns both in the Vatican and among Polish bishops. In 2006, Pope Benedict XVI called on the station to refrain from political activities. Additionally, the radio has been allegedly linked to antisemitism, as evidenced by some of its programs and statements by guests. In the context of support for the ruling party, Radio Maryja has become a platform for many right-wing politicians. The station's expansion is not limited to radio – Tadeusz Rydzyk is also the founder of Telewizja Trwam, Nasz Dziennik, and the Higher School of Social and Media Culture. In 2018, the radio's license was extended until 2028. The growing number of listeners, particularly among the elderly, and their involvement in community activities, such as the Radio Maryja Family, indicate that despite controversies, the station has strong support in Catholic circles. Radio Maryja continues to play a significant role in the Polish media landscape, while also being a point of division among Church hierarchs and in public debate.