The EBU has issued a letter to the Polish government urging it to ensure “adequate and sustainable funding” for Poland’s public service media (PSM), following reports of a proposed PLN2.5 billion (€0.59) of public funding for PSM from the state budget per year within the reform of media law – more than 30 per cent below the level proposed previously in 2024.

The EBU said whilst it welcome the Polish government’s renewed commitment to media independence and reforms aligned with the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), it is concerned that insufficient funding risks undermining these positive steps.

“We strongly support the Polish government’s steps to strengthen media independence and implement the EMFA,” commented Richard Burnley, EBU Director of Legal and Policy. “In fact, Poland should be applauded as being one of the very first EU Member States to initiate the process. But independence without adequate funding risks being independence in name only. Public service media must have the resources to serve all citizens, reflect Poland’s cultural and regional diversity, and help safeguard democracy at a time of unprecedented challenges in Europe.”

The EBU’s analysis shows that the proposed level of funding, representing approximately 0.06 per cent of GDP, would place Poland 26th out of 30 European countries in terms of public media investment, below nearly all Central and Eastern European nations and far from the European average of 0.12 per cent.

Poland’s PSM system, which includes national and international TV and radio services as well as regional outlets, once served as a model for the region. However, independence cannot thrive without sustainable and predictable investment, said the EBU – adding that Polish PSM is in a critical state. In the immediate term, it needs an urgent and adequate funding from the state budget for the year 2026 in order to stabilise the company and to be able to continue functioning with predictable budget, as clearly required by EMFA, believes the EBU.

“We remain ready to work with the Polish government to support effective implementation of the EMFA and ensure that reforms deliver strong, independent, and sustainable public service media for Polish citizens,” added the EBU.

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Categories: Articles, Broadcast, Funding

Tags: EBU, poland, PSB