No New TVP-Church Pact: Kurski-Era Agreement Remains in Force

Telewizja Polska has abandoned plans for a new agreement with the Polish Episcopal Conference, opting instead to maintain the 2020 contract signed under the leadership of Jacek Kurski.

Status of the 2020 Agreement

In September 2020, Jacek Kurski signed a deal with the Secretariat of the Polish Episcopal Conference, mandating specific Catholic programming on public television, including daily mass broadcasts, Caritas event coverage, and documentaries. Post-election management at TVP noted the original requirements were so extensive that the Catholic Programming Editorial Office struggled to fulfill them in their entirety.

While TVP previously signaled an intention to negotiate a new, financially viable agreement, the broadcaster confirmed no new contract will be signed. The institution continues to operate under the existing framework, which it claims is being adjusted to meet audience needs and current financial capabilities.

Religious Programming and Transparency

Budget data shows Catholic programming costs surged from nearly 14 million PLN in 2019 to 34.4 million PLN in 2023. TVP has not disclosed specific funding figures for 2024 and 2025 under the current leadership.

Despite the lack of a new contract, TVP maintains that its cooperation with the Church remains productive. The broadcaster continues to air daily morning mass on TVP1, Sunday Angelus prayers, and various religious documentaries and programs across its channels, including TVP2, TVP Polonia, and TVP Info.

Digital Content and Public Access

TVP VOD offers a collection of over 200 religious titles, described by the broadcaster as the largest of its kind in the Polish internet. This includes the series The Chosen, Mel Gibson’s The Passion, and the film Johnny.