As Poland prepares for the year 2025, the ongoing debate surrounding the RTV (radio and television) subscription fee continues to attract public attention. This fee, which is mandatory for households with at least one radio or television receiver, is set to remain unchanged from previous years, despite discussions in the Ministry of Culture about potentially replacing it with a new fee structure.
The RTV subscription fee is a payment required for owning television and radio receivers, including car radios. Notably, subscribing to cable television does not exempt individuals from this obligation, as the fee is tied to the possession of the receivers rather than the content being consumed. According to the Act on Subscription Fees enacted on April 21, 2005, the funds collected from these fees are allocated to support public media services.
In 2025, the monthly fee for a radio receiver is set at 8.70 PLN, totaling 104.40 PLN if paid annually. For those with television or combined television and radio receivers, the fee is 27.30 PLN per month, amounting to 327.60 PLN for a full year. However, households can benefit from a 10% discount if they pay for the entire year in advance by January 25, 2025, reducing the annual cost to 94 PLN for radio and 294.90 PLN for television receivers.
Despite the stable rates, the Ministry of Culture is still deliberating on the potential elimination of the RTV fee. Originally, changes were expected to be implemented this year, but they have since been postponed. This has left many wondering about the future of the subscription and whether it will be replaced by an alternative payment system.
Moreover, certain groups are exempt from paying the RTV subscription fee under Article 4, paragraph 1 of the 2005 Act. This includes individuals with disabilities, those who are unable to work, and seniors over the age of 75. Recently, more individuals have qualified for exemptions, particularly those over 60 years of age receiving pensions of half the average salary. As of January 2025, the new threshold for exemption is set at a monthly pension of up to 4090.86 PLN gross.
To claim an exemption, eligible individuals must present their ID and supporting documents at a local Polish Post office. Those who are automatically exempt, such as seniors over 75 who have registered their receivers, do not need to take additional steps as they are automatically recognized by the system.
As the deadline for the new regulations approaches, the Polish Post has emphasized the importance of compliance with registration requirements. Employees are authorized to conduct checks on households to ensure that all radio and television receivers are properly registered. Failure to register a receiver can lead to a hefty fine, amounting to 30 times the monthly subscription fee.
In response to the ongoing discussions and potential changes, many citizens have expressed their concerns regarding the RTV subscription. Some argue that the fee is outdated and should be re-evaluated, especially in light of the evolving media landscape. Others believe that public media needs adequate funding to maintain quality programming and services.
As Poland navigates these discussions, the RTV subscription fee remains a topic of significant interest and debate among citizens. The government’s decisions in the coming months will likely shape the future of public media funding and the obligations of Polish households regarding media subscriptions.
As the situation develops, individuals are encouraged to stay informed about their rights and obligations concerning the RTV subscription. Whether through exemptions or compliance with registration, understanding the nuances of the fee can help citizens navigate the complexities of media ownership in Poland.
