Czech bishops urge lawmakers to retain public media licence fees

The Standing Council of the Czech Bishops’ Conference has called on lawmakers to preserve the current system of funding Czech Television and Czech Radio through licence fees, saying it guarantees the independence of the public service broadcasters.

Abolishing the fees could undermine the financial stability of both broadcasters and increase their dependence on political decisions, the council warned on Saturday.

The leadership of Janáček Academy of Performing Arts in Brno has also warned that the proposed changes could threaten the independence of public service media.