EBU warns proposed funding changes could threaten stability of Czech public media

Proposed changes to the funding of public service media in the Czech Republic could threaten the stability and independence of Czech Television and Czech Radio, according to the European Broadcasting Union and 11 other international organisations. In a joint statement on Thursday, the signatories said major changes should be subject to broad expert debate and comply with European standards.

The coalition government of ANO, SPD and the Motorists plans to change the financing of public media by gradually replacing licence fees with money from the state budget.

The EBU said it was ready to contribute to consultations. It added that at a time when reliable information is more important than ever, Czech public service media must have stable, adequate and predictable funding, along with guarantees of independence in line with European standards, including the European Media Freedom Act.