The leading Polish party Law and Justice (PiS) intends to change the air share of Polish music in radio stations. Marek Suski, PiS MP, presented the draft amendment to the Broadcasting Act, obliging Polish radio stations to play at least 80% of Polish music within the airtime from 5: 00-24: 00.

The assumption of the project is an expression of “special care for culture and for Polish artists who face the difficult time of the pandemic”. MP Suski explains that the musicians cannot play concerts as they did before Covid, so the initiative will meet their expectations.

This amendment will change the share of Polish music in Polish media from the current 30%. The act provides for 50% of the monthly broadcasting time of Polish musical-verbal works in the programs and at least 80% of Polish content between 5-24 hours. Suski added that the airtime of bands or music that would be debut performance will be counted as 300% air time. According to PiS, it will also help and encourage new songs and new performers to enter the market.

In addition, MP Suski emphasized that the PiS deputies’ proposal is a solution similar to those used in other European Union countries. He added that those countries are said to assess their culture as extremely valuable. “In Poland, I have sometimes heard such arguments that the French have great music, and our music is less popular than the French one. Nevertheless, I am convinced that it will be a very good solution and it will gain national approval. I think it would be strange if there were opponents of our music, and allies of foreign music in Poland.

Adrian Andrzejewski