Poland's Ministry of Finance reports record RTV subscription debt amid regulator dispute

The Polish Ministry of Finance disclosed that in the first five months of 2026 the highest amount recovered from overdue RTV subscription fees was 137,000 zł in the West Pomeranian voivodeship. Other regions also saw large arrears, with Łódź (35,000 zł), Kuyavian‑Pomeranian (33,000 zł) and Lower Silesian (32,000 zł) voivodeships reporting significant sums. The tax office enforces unpaid fees by issuing payment notices, obtaining enforceable titles, and collecting from bank accounts, tax over‑payments, wages or pensions, sometimes with the assistance of bailiffs.

Separately, the National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) won a legal battle with Polish Radio over the handling of subscription advances. After a series of court decisions dating from 2024, the Supreme Administrative Court confirmed in July 2026 that KRRiT was not negligent and ordered the broadcaster to receive the disputed funds while imposing a 50,000 zł fine on the council’s chairman. The case reflects ongoing tensions over the distribution of public‑service media funds following organizational changes in 2023.