Polish parliament passes controversial new media ownership bill

Government wins vote despite losing majority after coalition partner walks out and widespread national protests

Polish MPs have passed a controversial new media ownership law that could lead to the country's largest remaining independent TV station losing its licence, but at the cost of several key votes that put the government's longterm future in doubt.

After a night of protests in Warsaw and 80 other towns and cities against the bill, which opponents see as an attempt to silence an often critical broadcaster, the law passed on Wednesday by 228 votes to 216 in the 460-seat lower house.