Anna Wendzikowska, renowned for her engaging interviews with cinema stars on the morning show Dzień dobry TVN, has recently shared her dramatic experiences with the station, shedding light on her financial compensation and the bullying she reportedly faced during her 15 years there.
Wendzikowska, who left TVN abruptly in 2022, recounted her time at the station during her recent appearance on the podcast WojewódzkiKędzierski. She revealed how much she earned for her short interviews, which typically lasted only four minutes. "Płacą tylko za ten, który zostanie wyemitowany. Wiele nie ujrzało nigdy światła dziennego," she stated, reflecting on the financial aspects of her work (translated: "They only pay for the ones which get broadcast. Many never saw the light of day.").
Initially, Wendzikowska mentioned her earnings began around 700 zł for each interview, but she managed to negotiate her fee up to 1,500 zł after discussions with the station. This negotiation process was not just about money, but the value of the work she put forth. "Zaczynało się to chyba od 700 zł, ale ja sobie wynegocjowałam 1,5 tys. zł," she explained, indicating her assertiveness as she navigated the industry (translated: "It started, I think, at 700 zł, but I negotiated 1,500 zł").
Wendzikowska conducted approximately 5,000 interviews throughout her tenure, highlighting the extensive travel often required for these short segments. She recalled the dedication behind each interview, sharing, "Trzynaście godzin w jedną stronę, cztery minuty rozmowy... w ciąży również?" meaning she often faced long journeys and challenging conditions to conduct these interviews (translated: "Thirteen hours one way, four minutes of conversation... even when pregnant?").
Despite the brevity of her interviews, Wendzikowska strived to connect with her guests on a personal level, stating, "Ja zawsze powtarzam, że to są tacy sami ludzie, jak wszyscy inni" (translated: "I always say they are just like everyone else"). Her approach led to surprising moments where celebrities were not always receptive to her questions, illustrating the varied nature of celebrity interactions.
Reflecting on her departure from TVN, Wendzikowska spoke candidly about the harassment she allegedly endured during her time at the station. While she did not go deep about her experiences, she emphasized the broader issues of bullying and mental health within the media industry. "To nie jest tak, że moja sytuacja najgorsza. Ja zupełnie dobrze mogłam w tym funkcjonować,saying her experiences were not the most severe, but hinted at the struggles faced by colleagues dealing with worse circumstances (translated: "It’s not like my situation was the worst. I could function quite well, turning a blind eye to certain situations.").
Wendzikowska’s reflections also encourage discussions about the industry's toxic work environment and its potential impact on mental health, echoing the sentiments of other media professionals who have experienced similar issues. By raising her voice, she not only tells her story but also seeks to inspire change within the industry.
Although she may no longer be on the air, Wendzikowska continues to thrive outside traditional media, engaging with her audience through social media and other platforms, showcasing her transformation beyond her previous role.
Her candid revelations contribute to the discourse on media professionalism, paving the way for aspiring journalists and creating awareness around the challenges they might face. Wendzikowska does not only present as a voice for herself but as part of a larger collective of media personalities aiming for change.
The interview concluded with Wendzikowska reflecting on her future endeavors, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and remaining true to herself as she navigates her post-TVN life.
Anna Wendzikowska's story reminds us of the human side of journalism, the challenges behind the scenes, and the need for reform in industries often glamorized without acknowledging the darker aspects of their workings.