What has been talked about behind the scenes for several months was confirmed today at the Innovation Day 2026 event! The television and radio broadcast operator České Radiokomunikace (ČRa) confirmed the completion of the acquisition of the joint stock company Play.cz. Marcel Procházka, director of ČRa's legal and regulatory department, informed about the transaction. Play.cz, previously owned by Pavel Sodomka and Martin Albrecht, plays a key role in the Czech market for internet streaming and digital radio broadcasting.
The acquisition primarily includes the streaming platform, through which almost 100 domestic radio stations currently broadcast, including commercial radios and the public service Czech Radio. Play.cz has a well-developed software background, which also includes mobile applications with support for CarPlay, Android Auto, and Android TV systems. In addition to digital services, České Radiokomunikace also acquires licenses to operate regional DAB+ networks, which Play.cz obtained in the frequency auction two years ago and which cover most of the territory of the Czech Republic with the exception of Vysočina and Pardubice regions.
“This step represents a natural culmination of our long-term strategy: to provide a comprehensive radio distribution platform for any end device,” said Marcel Procházka.
According to the management of České Radiokomunikace, this is a combination of two complementary infrastructures. While ČRa operates national networks with coverage exceeding 95% of the population, Play.cz provides technical know-how for online distribution. The two companies have collaborated in the past; since the beginning of last year, Play.cz has used Radiokomunikace frequencies for its digital broadcasting and since this year also their cloud infrastructure to ensure streaming.
“The merger with CRA represents an opportunity for Play.cz to grow further. Our solutions naturally complement the services that CRA offers in the field of television broadcasting and streaming, and together we can provide customers with comprehensive services covering the entire spectrum of multimedia distribution,” says Pavel Sodomka, the original majority shareholder of the company.
For the market and listeners, this merger should mean more stable reception on a wide range of devices from classic receivers to in-car infotainment systems. The commercial aspect of the matter is also key for future development. The synergy of both entities is expected to bring new opportunities in the field of audio advertising, i.e., digital advertising linked to specific listener data while maintaining a high broadcast reach.