The Polish Post commemorates the 100th anniversary of Polish Radio
On August 18, 2025, a commemorative philatelic issue, "100 Years of Polish Radio," will be released. The issue was created in close cooperation with Polish Radio.
The Polish Post is introducing a postage stamp issued to commemorate a special anniversary – the centenary of Polish Radio. The issue was created in close collaboration with Polish Radio, and all graphic elements of the design were drawn from the "Sign Book" prepared for the anniversary celebrations.
The stamp features the logo of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Polish Radio – a simplified, geometric sign in red and white, referring to the symbolism of the “play” and “record” buttons.
The author of the project is Agata Tobolczyk, who opted for a minimalist form characteristic of the contemporary language of visual communication.
The first day of circulation (FDC) envelope features the anniversary slogan, "We Make Sounds, Do Listen," and a graphic design based on elements of the anniversary logo. A commemorative date stamp with the anniversary symbol and the inscription, "100 Years of Polish Radio," completes the design, along with the issue date of August 18, 2025.
The History of Polish Radio
The first test radio broadcast in Poland was broadcast on February 1, 1925, from the Polish Radio Society transmitter in Warsaw. It was transmitted on medium waves (385 meters) from a studio at 25 Narbutta Street. This was an experiment preceding the establishment of "Polskie Radio" sp. z o. o., founded by Zygmunt Chamiec and Tadeusz Sułowski. The company received a license to broadcast nationwide on August 18, 1925.
Regular broadcasts began on April 18, 1926, at 5:00 PM, with Janina Sztompkówna's words: "Hello, hello, Polish Radio Warsaw, waves 480." The first program was devoted to the works of Fryderyk Chopin. In the following years, the radio expanded dynamically, opening new studios, expanding its programming, and undertaking international program exchanges – becoming the first in the world to do so in 1927.
Initially broadcast in the evenings, by the second half of the 1930s, the program covered almost the entire day – from 6:15 a.m. to midnight. Music played an important role – Polish Radio maintained choirs, chamber ensembles, and orchestras, including the renowned Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra in Warsaw.
After the war, from October 3, 1949, two nationwide programs were broadcast. In 1957, the legendary Experimental Studio was established – one of the world's few sound and electronic music laboratories, working for composers, radio, television, and film. On March 1, 1958, Program III began broadcasting and quickly gained popularity among young people and students.
On December 31, 1993, Polish Radio was transformed into a joint-stock company owned by the State Treasury. Since October 1, 2013, Polish Radio has been broadcasting using DAB+ technology, a digital signal with a number of additional features.
Radio today
In 2025, radio remains one of the most important media in Poland, although the way it is received is changing with technology. More and more stations are broadcasting online, and listeners are eager to use mobile apps and streaming platforms.
In the era of podcasts and streaming services, radio is proving its ability to navigate the new media landscape. Regardless of its format, it remains a source of information, music, and a daily companion. For drivers, it's an invaluable source of traffic news, for seniors, a connection to the world, and for younger generations, a modern music and podcast platform. Experts emphasize: radio in Poland won't disappear, but will evolve to meet audience expectations. One thing will remain constant: it's a voice that awakens, accompanies, and entertains, from early morning to late at night.
About the stamps:
100 years of Polish Radio
author of the stamp design: Agata Tobolczyk
number of stamps: 1
circulation: 90,000 pcs
printing technique: offset
stamp format: 43 x 31.25 mm
sales sheet: 9 stamps
paper: fluorescent
date of introduction into circulation: August 18, 2025