Finansowanie mediów publicznych w polityce medialnej UE

Abstract

Financing of public service broadcasting in the EU media policy. Examples of Poland, Hungary, France and Germany The article analyzes the issue of financing the public media as one of the most complex and controversial part of media policy in the European Union. European institutions have not opted for the specific model of financing, leaving the case to the member states. Using the examples of Poland and Hungary, the author shows how a broadcasting fee can be a bargaining chip for political purposes, and the announcements of the liquidation of such fees in election campaigns can result in further weak position of public broadcasters. In Hungary, receiving further grants and debt relief managed by the government was perceived as „payment for services” to the public broadcaster, rendered in favor of the ruling coalition. On the other hand, indicated examples of France and Germany show how consistently implemented media policy can create stable conditions for the development of public service broadcasters in those countries and provides protection of media pluralism.