The Barrandov television group is facing serious existential problems affecting its thematic stations. The Council for Radio and Television Broadcasting (RRTV) has initiated proceedings to revoke the licenses of Barrandov Kino and Barrandov Krimi programs. The decision was made at the regulator's seventh meeting this year, held on May 26, 2026.
The main reason for this step is the unfavorable economic situation of the operator. The regulator is acting according to the Broadcasting Act based on the declaration of bankruptcy over the assets of Barrandov Televizní Studio, a.s. (BTS). This company holds the licenses for both affected stations for satellite and terrestrial signal distribution.
While the future of the thematic channels is uncertain, the main TV Barrandov program is in a different situation. The terrestrial, satellite, and internet license for the group's flagship is not held by the bankrupt studio, but by S-24 akvizice II, s.r.o. This owner has declared an intention to continue operating broadcasting on at least one television station.
Despite the initiated proceedings, Barrandov Krimi and Barrandov Kino stations currently remain in operation. Viewers can still tune into them via terrestrial transmitters (DVB-T2), satellite, and in the offerings of cable and internet operators. However, if the RRTV completes the proceedings and legally revokes the licenses, these channels will have to cease broadcasting.
“The reason for initiating regulatory proceedings with the station operator is the declaration of bankruptcy over the operator's assets, as stipulated by the Radio and Television Broadcasting Act.”
The complex ownership and legal relationships within the group indicate an effort to save at least part of the broadcasting portfolio. The transfer of the main channel's licenses to another entity may allow the group to survive even if the original service and operational organization BTS ceases to exist as a result of insolvency proceedings.