Jurek Owsiak, the head of the large Orchestra of Christmas Charity, was at the center of controversy after receiving a call to pay the late radio and tv subscription amount PLN 1200, covering the backlog of the past 5 years. In response, Owsiak powerfully refused to settle the debt, arguing his decision with the political context and mistreatment of his individual by public media.
Oatsiak's controversial decision
The call for payment from the Polish Post concerns the backlog for an unpaid RTV subscription, which was charged by the Polish Post Office. According to the applicable regulations, if the subscriber does not pay the subscription, they are charged by law penalties tallness 30 times the monthly fee. In the case of a TV, this is the amount PLN 819, whereas for radio – PLN 261. So the backlog of Oatsiak is PLN 1200 5 years.
Oatsiak, despite receiving a call for payment, does not intend to pay this amount. As he explained in an interview with the Polish Press Agency, he does not want to support public mediawho, according to him, have repeatedly condemned his individual and activities. “I paid a long subscription, but I yet stopped, not agreeing to what was happening in public media” said Oatsiak.
Conflict with Polish Post Office and National Broadcasting Council
The consequence of Oatsiak to the call was firm: “I will not pay this money” – said, explaining that public media They did not bear any work for erstwhile accusations against him. He stressed that he would not pay for both late and current subscriptions, and expressed his desire to have a public discussion on the appropriateness of compulsory public media charges.
In response, the Polish Post Office explained that it does not have the competence to remit late payment of subscription payments. As stated, Polish Post acts as an operator designated to collect charges, but is the National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) He has the right to decide to retire. It is worth noting that according to the regulations KRRiT let the submission of applications for redemption or Rational distribution backlog in exceptional situations.
Obligation to pay RTV subscription
The work to pay the RTV subscription arises erstwhile a tv or radio receiver is registered under the subscriber's name. According to the regulations, RTV subscription valid until receiver deregistration or to get adequate rights of exemption from fees. The Polish Post Office recalls that if the subscriber does not deactivate the device, the work to pay the subscription continues.
Despite the laws in force, many Poles, including Owsiak, express their discontent with this obligation. In case of George Owsiak, his decision not to pay the subscription is not only the consequence of individual experiences, but besides of extended criticism of public media policy, which he believes would harm him.
What consequences for Pork?
It is presently unclear what steps it will take Polish Post and National Broadcasting Council in connection with the refusal of payment by Oatsiak. In accordance with the rules, if the default is not settled, enforcement proceedings may be initiated, including attachment of the bank account. Nevertheless, Owsiak announces that he is ready for a public debate on this subject, hoping to support his case.
The case of George Owsiak's late subscription is another case that raises issues related to RTV subscription obligation in Poland. Although many people are critical of the amount of fees and the way in which they are enforced, the situation of Oatsiak shows how far a political and individual context can go in specified matters. At the moment, there is no resolution, but the substance will surely affect further discussions about the subscription strategy in Poland.
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Jurek Owsiak won't pay. The IRS can take his bank account.
