The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has urged the Polish government to pair its media freedom reforms with sufficient financial support for public service media, warning that

proposed funding cuts could jeopardize progress toward genuine media independence.

In a letter sent to Warsaw on 5 November, the EBU expressed concern over reports that the government plans to allocate 2.5 billion PLN annually to public service media (PSM) under its new media law — more than 30% below the level proposed in 2024. The organization welcomed Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government’s efforts to align with the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) but cautioned that “independence without adequate funding risks being independence in name only.”

“We strongly support the Polish government’s steps to strengthen media independence and implement the EMFA,” said 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.”

According to EBU analysis, the proposed funding — around 0.06% of GDP — would place Poland 26th out of 30 European countries for public media investment, well below the European average of 0.12%. This level would also lag behind most Central and Eastern European states.

Poland’s public broadcasting network, encompassing national, regional, and international TV and radio services, once stood as a regional model. However, the EBU warns that the system now faces a “critical state” without predictable and sustainable investment.

The organization called for urgent and adequate state funding for 2026 to stabilize public broadcasters and meet EMFA requirements for financial predictability.

“The EBU remains ready to work with the Polish government,” the statement concluded, “to ensure reforms deliver strong, independent, and sustainable public service media for all Polish citizens.” Photo by Mateusz Kudła, Wikimedia commons.