The past week brought a series of changes to the media world – from the dramatic bankruptcy of TV Barrandov, to the growing influence of artificial intelligence in PR and communication, to personnel changes and the expansion of digital services. Read on for the most important developments in media, marketing, and digital technology.
Media: From Bankruptcy to Celebrations and Protests
- The operator of TV Barrandov, after two years of stabilization efforts, is headed for bankruptcy. This definitively closes the attempt to save the media house, which began its recovery process in 2024.
- When it comes to international media law, one cannot overlook the IRIS Merlin database, which celebrated 30 years of monitoring media legislation in Europe. The European Audiovisual Observatory will present its tools for monitoring the digital market, freedom of expression, and AI regulation.
- A new professional portal, MediaInside, is entering the Czech media market, combining traditional journalism with artificial intelligence tools and offering crisis communication simulators.
- Media Rey, SE publisher has filled the newly created position of Director of Editorial Teams with Irena Cápová. She has been with Czech Forbes since its inception, previously serving as deputy editor-in-chief.
- Streaming giant Netflix confirmed the engagement of former MSNBC anchor Brian Williams for a new podcast series. The American media market is also undergoing a wave of personnel changes in the newsrooms of CNN, NBC News, and Newsmax.
- Czech Radio will celebrate its 103rd anniversary with a traditional Open Day, offering the public a look into the technical backstage and modern trends of radio work.
- The 60th anniversary of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival presented its visual identity. The duo Jonatan Kuna and Aleš Najbrt opted for the symbolism of the red carpet.
- Czech Television and Czech Radio warn against the government's proposed public service media law. According to a joint statement, the proposal creates legal uncertainty and weakens editorial independence. This concern is further confirmed by a university analysis, which considers the change in funding risky.
- Czech Television is including a new film "Lajf" in its programming, based on a screenplay by Marek Epstein and directed by Jiří Strach. The chamber drama explores the theme of voluntary departure from the world.
PR & Communication: AI Changes the Rules of the Game
- A new study by 5WPR and Louder Group shows that Israel dominates the global ranking in the use of artificial intelligence models. This shift fundamentally changes the rules for PR and communication, where the so-called AI information layer becomes the key battleground instead of traditional press releases.
- Maintaining a unique brand voice when using artificial intelligence requires, according to experts, an end to improvisation. Susan Oguche warned against issuing commands without context and emphasized the necessity of using proprietary source data to achieve authentic results.
- The effectiveness of internal communication in companies with a predominance of field workers encounters technological and conceptual barriers. According to the latest data, front-line employees are not being reached primarily due to being overwhelmed by irrelevant channels.
- Speaker selection and preparation require a strategic approach. Experts from the Ragan Training platform identified key factors that determine the success or failure of speakers in both crisis and regular media environments.
Television & Radio: New Developments and Departures from the Airwaves
- Television operator Magenta TV will increase prices for all packages that include a Netflix subscription starting in June. The change will affect both existing and new clients.
- Digital radio network Fiera touch is expanding its programming offerings with a new station, EDU rádio, focused on science and the development of critical thinking. This station also enters MUX RS 11 and relies on listening via television screens.
- The local version of the international fashion channel Fashion TV is ending its linear broadcast in the Czech Republic and Slovakia after 15 years, with plans to transition to new digital projects.
- Czechs are spending more and more money on watching television; the average monthly fee for paid services has risen to 460 crowns. The popularity of IPTV is growing, while satellite broadcasting is declining.
Digital: Innovation and Leadership Changes
- Technology giant Apple announced a major change in its top leadership. Long-time CEO Tim Cook is stepping down after fourteen years, and John Ternus is taking the helm of the company.
- The Czech Telecommunication Office participated in the ARDOS REGION 2026 exercise, which tested emergency communication using amateur radio technologies in the event of a regular infrastructure outage.
- Telecommunications operator O2 is bringing back the character of AI grandma Alenka into its communication strategy, aiming to warn the public about cybercriminals. The campaign will also be supported by Jiří Langmajer.
- Operator T-Mobile launched a new logistics service, whereby in cooperation with Wolt, it will deliver a replacement modem or set-top box within one hour of reporting a fault.
- Retail chain Lidl is preparing for significant expansion in the telecommunications sector. Thanks to a new five-year partnership with 1GLOBAL, it is transforming into a virtual mobile operator.
Marketing & Social Media: New Approaches and a Changing Market
- In the dynamic environment of 2026, the social network X remains a critical infrastructure for public affairs experts. Despite the chaos and misinformation, it is indispensable for communication teams.
- We highlight a tragic event with the passing of Milan Behro, a long-time entrepreneur and co-founder of ZONER a.s., who died after a sudden health complication.
- A record 142,000 millionaires plan to change their country of residence in 2025, which fundamentally redraws the map of the global luxury market. Dubai and Florida are becoming new centers of influence.
- The marketing market in 2026 confirms the trend where the depth of relationship with the audience prevails over mass reach. Smaller brands, through cooperation with micro-influencers, achieve higher authenticity and consumer loyalty.
- United Airlines faced an unexpected challenge during the preparation of a social media campaign when singer Taylor Swift captured dominant internet attention. Instead of canceling the project, the marketing team decided on a quick pivot, which ultimately led to 15.5 million views.
What to watch next week:
- Development of the situation around TV Barrandov and the impact of the bankruptcy on the media scene.
- Further debate regarding the proposed media law and its impact on the independence of public service media.
- Continued integration of AI tools into PR and marketing strategies, especially with regard to the necessity of proprietary data and context.