Ad tax could limit freedom of speech says TV network

A leading independent television network in Poland has claimed a new advertising tax could limit freedom of speech.

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said last Wednesday that Poland plans to impose a new levy on advertising revenue and use the proceeds to support the national healthcare system, culture and free media.

But the Discovery and TVN television group told the Rzeczpospolita newspaper "the government's proposal imposes an additional burden on independent media and the intention is to limit their pluralism and freedom of speech."

Proceeds from the new levy, which the government claims mirrors those already imposed in other EU countries and is expected to take effect as of July 1, may reach an estimated PLN 800 million (EUR 178 million) in 2022, according to the Finance Ministry.

Half of the revenue generated is meant to bolster the National Health Fund (NFZ), which finances public healthcare, and 15 percent will be channeled to the National Monument Protection Fund (NFOZ).