Media and Security. Will EMFA help build independent public media in Poland?

The European Act on Media Freedom (EMFA) presents a critical juncture for Poland, a nation where the independence of public media has been a persistent and contentious issue. While the Act, set to take effect in August 2025, promises robust protections for editorial independence and journalistic sources, its implementation in Poland is fraught with challenges rooted in deep political polarization.

As outlined in the Media Capture Monitoring Report by Dr. hab. Michał Głowacki, the core principles of EMFA—safeguarding independent public service media and protecting content from undue platform interference—are laudable. However, the report highlights significant concerns regarding Poland's existing legal framework and practices. The focus on the independence of media regulatory bodies and the allocation of public funds to influence media operations are particularly sensitive areas, given Poland's recent history.

From a Polish perspective, the debate surrounding EMFA is not merely about media regulation; it's intrinsically linked to the broader struggle for democratic resilience and the rule of law. The history of public media being used as a political tool has created a deep-seated skepticism towards government initiatives in this sector. Therefore, while the EMFA offers a potential framework for reform, the success of its implementation hinges on overcoming entrenched political interests and ensuring genuine, rather than superficial, independence.

The upcoming legislative process in Poland is expected to be contentious. The nearly 300 comments submitted on the draft law, particularly concerning public media funding models and the appointment of authorities, signal a fierce debate ahead. Unlike in some Western European countries where public media independence might be taken for granted, in Poland, it remains a battleground, making the EMFA's role in fostering a truly independent public sphere a matter of national significance and intense public scrutiny.

“

EMFA jest narzędziem polityki medialnej, które ma na celu uwypuklenie, ale też zdefiniowanie na nowo tego, z czym borykają się współczesne rynki medialne. W Polsce naszym probl