Czech government plans to change public media funding from 2027
The Czech government has announced a fundamental change to the funding system for public service media, such as Czech Television and Czech Radio. Starting in January 2027, the current system of license fees paid by individual households is to be abolished and replaced by direct funding from the state budget.
This proposal has sparked a number of discussions in professional circles. Proponents of the change argue that the state budget will ensure a more stable income for the media. However, critics and international organizations are expressing concerns about whether such a move might threaten the media's independence from the current political representation.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has already expressed concern over this intention. According to experts, independent funding is a key element for free journalism. If media outlets were directly dependent on government budget decisions, it could lead to pressure on editorial content in the future.
The debate on the future form of the media will continue in the Chamber of Deputies in the coming months. The government must now prepare specific legislative steps that clearly define how the independence of Czech Television and Czech Radio will be guaranteed even after the abolition of the fees.