Czech public TV council to make second attempt at electing new director general

The Czech public Television Council is set to vote again on Wednesday in an effort to elect a new director general. His selection has become a very significant event during the campaign before the parliamentery elections. Unlike in Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, Czech public media still largely maintain independence from political influence and are seen as crucial and trustworthy infromation channel. The choice lies between current programme director Milan Fridrich and commercial director Hynek Chudárek, who received the most votes last week but fell short of the ten required in the 17-member council.

Tensions around the vote have grown after council member Vlastimil Ježek requested a discussion on an alleged attempt to influence the election. The controversy stems from a message sent by news division head Petr Mrzena, urging councillors not to vote for Fridrich. Mrzena had also been a candidate.