The bankruptcy administrator of Barrandov Televizní studio, David Jánošík, filed a proposal with the court to cease the company's operations. The main reason for this step is the persistent operational unprofitability of the television station, which prevents further functioning under the current regime. The decision comes after the Municipal Court in Prague declared bankruptcy on the company at the end of April due to an unsuccessful reorganization attempt.
Despite the proposal to cease operations, the broadcasting of TV Barrandov, Barrandov Krimi, and Barrandov Kino channels will not immediately stop. Operations will be provided for several months by the subsidiary S-24, which belongs to the current owner Jan Čermák. This procedure aims to maintain the brand's value for future sale, as a functioning television station is more attractive to potential investors than a halted operation.
“The company is operationally unprofitable, so this is a logical and necessary step by law. Now, employment contracts will be terminated, and preparations for the monetization of the substance will take place,” said bankruptcy administrator David Jánošík.
TV owner Jan Čermák confirmed that his company S-24 holding would lease some services from BTS to stabilize broadcasting until a buyer is found. Čermák took over the television station two years ago from Jaromír Soukup with debts amounting to approximately one billion crowns. Although costs were reduced during the reorganization, the decline in the advertising market and rising energy prices had a negative impact on the company's economy.
While the television division is heading towards dissolution or sale, other parts of the original holding remain in operation. Empresa Media publishing house, whose portfolio includes titles such as Týden and Sedmička, was deemed viable and is not ending in bankruptcy. The current viewership of all three Barrandov television channels in March was 1.94 percent among viewers over 15 years old.
“The potential sale value, and thus the proceeds for creditors, is significantly higher for a running television station. We are talking about operations for a maximum of months, during which a buyer must be found,” explained owner Jan Čermák.