International media and journalism organisations, led by the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom and the European Broadcasting Union, have expressed serious concern over the direction of public service media funding reform in Czechia. They warn that the current proposals could weaken the financial stability and independence of Czech public broadcasters at a time when reliable and independent information is especially important for democratic societies.
The ruling coalition is reportedly preparing legislation that would significantly reduce licence fee contributions by exempting about a quarter of Czech households from payment. This would include seniors over 75, people with disabilities, and dependent young people under 26, as well as more than 17,000 businesses. Media groups fear that removing such a large share of contributors would substantially reduce the funding base for Czech Radio and Czech Television.
Another major concern is the proposal to abolish the inflation clause, which currently helps public service media keep pace with rising costs. Without indexation, broadcasters could face growing financial strain over time even if nominal funding levels remain unchanged. Czech Radio and Czech Television have already warned that these changes could have serious economic consequences, potentially limiting their ability to carry out their public service responsibilities effectively.
The proposed measures are also being described as a transitional step toward the eventual abolition of licence fees altogether, with direct state budget funding expected to replace them from 2027. International organisations argue that such a shift could create long-term risks for editorial and institutional independence, as reliance on annual state budgets may expose public broadcasters to greater political influence. They note that the recent licence fee increase in Czechia was the first in nearly two decades, highlighting the already existing financial pressures on the sector.
The organisations stress that public service media play a vital democratic role by delivering trusted news, promoting pluralism, and serving diverse audiences. To continue fulfilling that mission, they say broadcasters must have stable, adequate, and independent funding in line with the European Media Freedom Act and established European standards. They are urging that any major reform of this kind should involve broad consultation with all stakeholders and include strong safeguards to protect both financial sustainability and editorial independence.
