Dzienniki ogólnopolskie wobec katastrofy smoleńskiej
SMOLENSK PLANE CRASH IN POLISH DAILY PRESS

Summary/Abstract: In the morning of 10th April 2010 a plane carrying President of the Republic of Poland Lech Kaczyński, his wife Maria Kaczyńska, and many Polish officials, that were en route to attend ceremonies making the 70th anniversary of the Katyń massacre, crashed close by the Smolensk Siewiernyj Airport. In the crash died also: Ryszard Kaczorowski, the former President of Poland in exile, Polish army generals, MPs and senators, state officials, clergy, veterans and entourage – total of 96 people, including the crew. Article shows reaction of 6 Polish dailies (Dziennik Gazeta Prawna, Fakt, Gazeta Wyborcza, Nasz Dziennik, Rzeczpospolita, Super Express) to this event unprecedented in Polish history. The study covers period between the date of the crash (April 10th, 2010) and press reports after the last funeral ceremony of the victim (April 29th, 2010). The content of more than 1500 analyzed articles related to the subject include official notes and personal testimonies, technical details of the crash, deep political and ideological repercussions (Polish-Russian relations, incoming elections, symbolism of Katyń, concept of patriotism) and finally – typical to postmodern culture – interest in disaster and death. There are shown differences in presentation of the catastrophe and its effects – visible in quantity, quality and on the formal level.

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