Generał Edward Rydz-Śmigły przed mikrofonem Polskiego Radia (1935–1939). Medialny wizerunek następcy Komendanta

Abstract

After Józef Piłsudski’s death general Edward Rydz-Śmigły instantly advanced in the hierarchy of power getting to position of a head-on personage of the Second Polish Republic. To this dizzying career significantly contributed pre-war Polish Radio. This article is an attempt to reconstruct the image of Rydz-Śmigły, shaped by the mentioned mass media, which was not a subject of separate historical studies so far. Presented considerations focuses on the activity of the radio that served to build popularity and strong political position of the general inspector of the armed forces, both in society and in the ruling camp. The purpose of the research is to analyze forms and content of broadcasts dedicated to general Rydz-Śmigły which made up the record of his political and military career for the years 1935–1939. Due to the fact that documentation (including recordings) produced by pre-war Polish Radio was almost entirely destroyed by German occupier the basis of the submitted studies are indirect sources. Among them weekly „Antena” is of key importance. This magazine belonged to Polish Radio which allows us to assume it is the most authoritative publisher on matters relating to radio policy, content, and ideological overtone of broadcasts.