Radio Three Loses Popular Host Aneta Awtoniuk Over Contract Dispute
Warsaw, Poland – aneta Awtoniuk, host of teh popular programs “Big Stroking” and “Welcome to trójka – afternoon” on Radio Three, has announced her departure from Polish Radio, citing unacceptable new contract terms. The announcement, made via a Facebook post titled “The end of the ‘big Stroking’ in Trójka,” signals a complete severing of ties, with Awtoniuk stating, “We won’t hear from each other again.”
Awtoniuk debuted “Big Stroking” on Radio Three in the fall of 2024 and ceased hosting “Welcome to Trójka - afternoon” in the second half of September 2024. According to her Facebook post, Polish Radio presented her with revised terms of cooperation that were “drastically changed to my detriment,” and all attempts at compromise were rejected. “I am unable to accept them. I’m very sad,” she wrote.
The journalist expressed deep gratitude to her listeners, especially for their engagement with the animal-focused content of “Big Stroking.” “Thank you for being with me in such large numbers every Saturday, for every laugh and tears when you remembered your pets in life. Thank you for all the questions you asked and for your willingness to learn more about dogs and cats,” she stated. She also acknowledged the thoughtful gifts received from her audience, including “pickled cucumbers, music…books.”
the news has sparked meaningful disappointment among Radio Three listeners, who voiced their support for Awtoniuk and criticism of the station’s handling of the situation. Comments under her Facebook post expressed concerns that the station prioritizes internal arrangements over its audience, with one listener stating, “It’s not the listeners that matter, only the arrangements.” Others lamented the loss of a beloved program,calling it a “huge loss for Three” and criticizing the lack of openness surrounding the changes. One commenter noted, “it is unpleasant that the listeners are not explained or warned about such changes. Very inelegant on the station’s part.” Another wrote, “Disagreement destroys, agreement builds.It’s a pity that some people put their own interests ahead of the good of the station and listeners.”
As of this reporting, Polish Radio has not issued a formal statement regarding Awtoniuk’s departure or the contract dispute. Awtoniuk indicated in the comments section of her post that listeners seeking her work should look to Radio 357 and Radio Nowy Świat.
