Czech TV could face collapse after fee cuts, Czech Radio warns of major financial impact

Public broadcasters Czech Television (ČT) and Czech Radio (ČRo) would lose about a third of their income if part of TV and radio licence fees is abolished as planned by the governing coalition. That would mean a loss of over two billion crowns for ČT and up to 800 million crowns for ČRo, both institutions told CTK.

If approved, the proposal would cost them more than they gained from last year’s fee increase. ČT director Hynek Chudárek warned the broadcaster could face collapse, while ČRo director René Zavoral said it would be an extraordinary blow to its finances.

Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Tomio Okamura (SPD) announced a bill to abolish fees for seniors over 75, companies, young people under 26, and people with disabilities, effective from mid-year.