The Polish media regulator KRRiT faces challenges in resolving TV Republika's licensing issues as the station requests to pay overdue fees in monthly installments.
TV Republika, a Polish television station, is in a precarious financial situation, having failed to pay nearly one million PLN by the September 1, 2025 deadline for its annual licensing fee. Despite its dire circumstances, the station is seeking to negotiate a new payment plan that would allow it to pay in monthly installments, although it has not received the necessary approval from the National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) to do so. The KRRiT is scheduled to meet again on Wednesday, but it is not expected to find a resolution due to the complex political situation surrounding its decision-making process.
The KRRiT is composed of four members, three of whom were appointed by the previous government, and one by the opposition parties. A key decision-maker, Chairman Maciej Åšwirski, is currently suspended and awaiting a court hearing related to accusations of harassment. The inability to gather the required four votes means that KRRiT cannot effectively address TV Republika's licensing predicament, raising concerns about the future of the station.
The implications of this situation are significant, not only for TV Republika, which claims to have an uncertain financial future, but also for the KRRiT, which is under scrutiny for its governance amid allegations of political interference. The regulatory body's incapacity to enforce compliance with licensing regulations may reflect poorly on its credibility, and continuous dependency on political maneuverings could undermine the stability of media operations in Poland.
