Anna Wendzikowska, once one of Poland's most recognizable television journalists and presenters, has stepped back onto the public stage after leaving TVN, where she served for over 15 years. Known for her celebrity interviews on "Dzień Dobry TVN," Wendzikowska's departure from the network was marred by scandal as she accused TVN of mobbing, citing experiences of bullying and harassment during her tenure.
During her recent appearance on the podcast "WojewódzkiKędzierski," hosted by Kuba Wojewódzki and Piotr Kędzierski, Wendzikowska opened up about her tumultuous time at the network and her subsequent reinvention. "I don’t like to talk about this, but it’s all true," she stated, delving deeply back to the events leading to her exit from the station.
Wendzikowska's nightmarish office experience became public when she revealed, "I was humiliated every day; I lived under the threat of losing my job." These unsettling conditions seemed to resonate broadly, as she later described others who worked there facing even worse situations, stating, "Some ended up on psychotherapy and psychotropics. Terrible things happened there." Facing retribution, Wendzikowska noted, "I heard, 'Don't say this out loud, you'll be unemployable.'" Despite her past struggles, she emphasized the importance of sharing her story.
The podcast format allowed for candid discussions about former relationships as well. Here, Wendzikowska reflected on her romantic life before becoming a mother, indicating how self-esteem issues led her to seek validation through various romantic encounters. "This is my story before turning 30, before having my child. It was youthful folly—there were times I didn’t know which way was up, and which was down," she confessed.
Among the personal stories she shared, Wendzikowska recounted her brief romance with Borys Szyc. "We dated for three months; it was short-lived. He was such a great guy, who has since changed significantly," she revealed, reminiscing fondly. The two parted ways due to their party-centric lifestyle at the time, and she acknowledges the meaningful changes he has undergone since then.
Wendzikowska discussed her transition from TV journalism to new ventures. She revealed how her previous role involved taking part in around 5,000 interviews, but she was only ever compensated for those actually aired. "They paid for interviews which made it to air. Many never saw the light of day. It started at about 700 PLN, but I negotiated it up to 1,500 PLN," she confessed to the podcast hosts.
Reflecting on her time at the TVN network, the former reporter recounted the additional hardships as well, including the excessive demands placed on her and her colleagues. "I worked during my pregnancy and was under pressure to deliver quality work, all the meanwhile facing these challenges."
The issues surrounding workplace bullying at TVN surfaced once again during their conversation. "That one woman who was the source of distress for so many is still thriving, now working at Polsat and hasn't faced any repercussions for her previous actions," Wendzikowska stated, expressing disbelief at the lack of accountability. "People are calling me, saying she's still there, it's hard to think about it. There were many who faced real challenges. To think the one responsible is still getting away with it is infuriate,” she emphasized.
Having moved beyond television, Wendzikowska is now focused on her online presence and is currently running her own podcast titled "Ku szczęściu." She aims to reconnect with her audience and present her experiences authentically. The coming back to the public sphere appears as both liberation and a step forward, healing the wounds inflicted during her time at TVN.
Anna Wendzikowska's experiences reflect the broader issues of workplace culture and mental health within the media industry, delving deeply not just through her career but her personal challenges as well. Her story serves as both caution and inspiration for many, particularly those facing similar struggles, ensuring her continued relevance to the audience she once captivated on screen.