Czechia: concern over fast-tracked debate on public service media funding
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), its Czech affiliate, the Syndicate of Journalists of the Czech Republic (SNCR), and the undersigned media and journalists’ organisations are deeply concerned by the decision to fast-track legislation in Czechia that would abolish the licence fee and fund Czech Television (ČT) and Czech Radio (ČRo) directly from the state budget.
On 23 October 2026, the Chamber of Deputies gave the bill priority in its first reading and agreed to sit late into the night and on Saturday. This raises questions about whether there is enough time for proper parliamentary scrutiny and public consultation on a reform that will shape the future of public service media in Czechia.
The bill would also cut the broadcasters’ combined funding by about CZK 1.4 billion a year, roughly 15%, to about CZK 7.8 billion. Cuts on this scale threaten their ability to fulfil their public service remit, maintain high-quality journalism and invest in new services.
Under Article 5(3) of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), EU countries must fund public service media through transparent and objective criteria set in advance. The funding must be adequate, sustainable and predictable, and must protect editorial independence.
Funding models are a national decision. But any reform must respect these binding European rules. A change this significant deserves thorough assessment, open parliamentary debate and genuine consultation with ČT, ČRo and other stakeholders.
We call on Czech lawmakers to allow enough time for proper scrutiny and inclusive consultation, and to revise the provisions that threaten the financial sustainability and independence of Czech public service media.
We stand with Czech Television and Czech Radio, and are ready to share our expertise with the Czech authorities.
Signed:
- European Broadcasting Union (EBU)
- Bulgarian National Radio (BNR)
- Bulgarian National Television (BNT)
- Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR)
- European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
- Index on Censorship
- International Press Institute (IPI)
- Latvian Public Service Media (LSM)
- Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT)
- Public Media Alliance (PMA)
- Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
- RTV Slovenija (RTVSLO)
- South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO)
- Suspilne Ukraine
- Syndicate of Journalists of the Czech Republic (SNCR)
