Polish Radio — Patron of 2026

By a resolution of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland, 2026 has been designated the Year of Polish Radio, marking a remarkable milestone: 100 years of regular broadcasting.

The origins of Polish radio broadcasting date back to February 1, 1925, when at 6:00 PM a trial transmission was aired from the Polish Radiotechnical Society’s station in Warsaw. During that broadcast, engineer Roman Rudniewski became the first person to speak into a Polish radio microphone.

For decades, it has played a vital role in shaping Poland’s social and cultural landscape. As emphasized in the parliamentary resolution:

For one hundred years, Polish Radio has witnessed history as it unfolded—responding to current events, informing, entertaining, and playing an essential role in educating, nurturing, and shaping the tastes of generations.

A SHORT HISTORY

In its earliest days, Polish Radio reached fewer than 5,000 listeners. All programs were broadcast live, mostly in the evenings, with music filling much of the airtime. The interwar years brought rapid expansion, and by 1935, groundbreaking technological advancements – such as sound recording on steel tape -transformed radio production. Live transmissions from concerts and sporting events around the world also became possible.

Radio quickly became an indispensable part of everyday life – faster than the press and accessible even to those who could not read.

Its importance proved especially profound in September 1939. Through Polish Radio, the residents of Warsaw received crucial updates on the situation in the city and the progress of the fighting. Volunteers joined the broadcasts, bringing both information and hope to the people. During the war, radio also enabled communication beyond the front lines, including into German-occupied territories. It served as a tool of resistance, sustaining morale and strengthening faith in eventual victory.

TODAY

The Polish Radio is a modern, multimedia platform that brings together live broadcasting and on-demand content in one place. Listeners can tune in to multiple national stations – such as Jedynka, Dwójka, Trójka, and Polish Radio 24 – or explore a wide range of themed digital channels available online.

Beyond live radio, the site offers an extensive library of podcasts, audiobooks, and archival recordings, alongside curated music programs and original audio productions created specifically for digital audiences.

It also serves as a reliable source of news, culture, history, science, and sports, complemented by articles, interviews, reportages, and multimedia.

In essence, Polskie Radio is not just a place to listen – it is a rich audio archive and cultural hub, reflecting both the legacy and the contemporary voice of Poland.