Poland is making good progress towards effective implementation of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), including wide consultation on government proposals that could end worrying threats to the independence and funding of public service media, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said.

As Poland’s months-long consultation process ends and the next phase begins, the EBU noted that the government’s proposals are well aligned with the spirit of the EMFA and also meet Council of Europe standards on public service media.

“When the EMFA was approved by EU officials at the end of last year, we understood that Member States would, in certain cases, need to align national laws with the new text. The Polish government’s process to adjust their media law has shown us a blueprint for an inclusive and transparent approach,” said Richard Burnley, Director of Legal and Policy at the EBU.

“As we continue to monitor and contribute as needed in the months to come, the EBU stands ready to support other countries in implementing this vital legislation to safeguard and strengthen public service media.”
 
EMFA puts in place new rules to protect media pluralism and independence in the European Union and seeks to ensure that media can operate more easily across borders. It came into force in May 2024, with the regulations set to fully apply as of August 2025.

The EBU specifically welcomes provisions related to the independence of Poland’s public service media. This is reflected in proposals to restore the independence of the media regulator – the National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) – and to strengthen its role in the appointment of the supervisory boards of public service media organisations. 

There are also strong proposals for transparent and open processes to recruit and appoint senior management of public service media.

With funding used in some states as a tool to control public service media, the provisions related to the financing of Telewizja Polska (TVP) and Polskie Radio (PR) are crucial to their independence. These include revision of the funding model to provide a predictable source and bring the level of financing closer to EU benchmarks.  

Polish authorities are also contemplating safeguards to ensure that public service media funding and its allocation become immune to political or commercial interests and pressures.

With the completion of the initial consultation phase on the European Media Freedom Act, the government will now work on formal steps to amend Poland’s Broadcasting Act. A legislative proposal is expected in the coming months.

“After years of uncertainty, we are pleased to see this collaborative, open approach to our future as Poland’s public service television broadcaster – one that aims to safeguard our independence and funding,” said Tomasz Sygut, Director-General of TVP. “We are hopeful for TVP’s future and appreciate the EBU’s contributions.”