Public media funding in Central and Eastern Europe. The evolution of models and practices from a historical and media studies perspective

This article examines the evolution of public media financing in Central and Eastern Europe, focusing on the transition from state-controlled systems under communism to contemporary hybrid models. It analyses historical legacies, including centralized budget allocations and the use of media as propaganda, and traces subsequent reforms introducing license fees and mixed funding structures. Using a comparative approach, the study evaluates financing models in Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, Croatia, and Latvia, highlighting differences in stability, transparency, and political independence. Findings indicate a strong correlation between predictable, sufficient funding and the ability of public broadcasters to maintain audience trust and market relevance. The article argues that unstable or politically dependent funding undermines both viewership and credibility, while stable financing mechanisms linked to GDP or indexed license fees foster resilience. Recommendations emphasize the need for transparent governance, protection against political interference, and EU-level safeguards, particularly within the framework of the proposed European Media Freedom Act. This research contributes to media economics by providing insights into how financial structures shape the performance and legitimacy of public service media in post-communist societies.