Key facts
- The Czech government approved a bill to replace license fee funding for public broadcasters with direct state budget financing.
- The new model will provide fixed annual sums based on historical license fee revenues.
- Critics, including Reporters Without Borders, argue the change compromises media independence and allows for political interference.
- Staff at Czech TV and Czech Radio announced a 24-hour strike in protest.
- The bill faces parliamentary approval and presidential signature before a planned January 1, 2027 implementation.
The Czech government has approved a significant reform to its public media funding system, shifting from license fees to direct state budget financing. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš defended the change as a modernization and a way to eliminate fees for citizens and reduce broadcaster costs, citing a lack of oversight.
However, the move has sparked widespread criticism from journalists, media freedom groups like Reporters Without Borders, and tens of thousands of citizens. Critics argue that direct state funding compromises editorial independence and exposes public broadcasters to political pressure from the ruling coalition. Staff at Czech TV and Czech Radio have announced a 24-hour strike in protest, fearing potential budget cuts and layoffs.
The legislation, which still requires parliamentary approval and presidential signature, is planned to take effect on January 1, 2027. Reporters Without Borders has called the reform 'absurd' and a 'drastic' funding reduction that sets a dangerous precedent for political interference.