The government coalition, led by Minister of Culture Ota Klempíř (Motorists), has unveiled a fundamental reform of public media financing. The draft law envisages the complete abolition of license fees and their replacement by a direct contribution from the state budget. If the legislation passes the approval process, the new model will take effect on January 1, 2027. For both institutions, this would mean a significant drop in revenues compared to current plans.
According to the government's proposal, Czech Television (ČT) and Czech Radio (ČRo) are to operate with a fixed amount based on the 2024 level. CZK 5.741 billion is allocated for Czech Television and CZK 2.065 billion for Czech Radio. This amount is to be valorized annually for inflation, but only up to five percent. In practice, this would mean a budget for ČT one billion lower than the expected revenue this year, and the radio station would lose approximately 400 million crowns.
Minister of Culture Ota Klempíř declares that the change will not jeopardize the independence of both media outlets.
“The law explicitly states that no state body may interfere with their activities and that they are not subordinate to the ministry or any other office,”
said the minister. The current system of supervisory boards and management is to be maintained. However, the amendment newly defines broadcasting priorities, with the main emphasis to be placed on news, education, and culture, while entertainment programs are to be relegated to a secondary role. Financial management will now be subject to control by the Supreme Audit Office (SAO).
The management of both institutions has strongly protested the proposal. ČT Director General Hynek Chudárek warned that the model is unpredictable and would lead to drastic savings.
“If the new proposal is approved, the television would have to implement austerity measures, including layoffs and limiting the scope of broadcasting,”
Chudárek warned. René Zavoral, head of Czech Radio, reacted similarly, calling the current fee system fair and warning against excessive linking of the media to political power.
In addition to the government's concept, a parliamentary initiative led by Patrik Nacher (ANO) is also being prepared. This focuses on exempting socially vulnerable groups, such as seniors and dependent persons, from fees already this year. The government coalition expects strong opposition during the debate on both norms, but intends to push through the changes in time for budget financing to take effect according to schedule.