Czech Television may lay off up to 500 employees after budget cut

If its budget were reduced by approximately one billion Czech crowns, as envisaged in the government's proposed legislation from next year, Czech Television (ČT) would have to lay off between 300 and 500 employees. This was stated today at the Digimedia conference by deputy director-general Milan Fridrich. ČT currently employs nearly 3,000 people and operates with a budget of 8.5 billion crowns.

According to Fridrich, in addition to mass layoffs and the associated severance costs, ČT would also have to cancel major production projects already underway, including drama productions. This would lead to further expenses in the form of contractual penalties for terminating projects.

In 2028, the public broadcaster also faces the prospect of losing an additional 400 to 450 million crowns that it currently receives through an exemption allowing VAT deductions. This exemption is set to expire at the end of next year.