General directors of Czech public service media call on Babiš to halt talks on media legislation

The directors-general of Czech Television (ČT), Hynek Chudárek, and Czech Radio (ČRo), René Zavoral, have called in an open letter on Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) to stop the discussion of draft laws on public service media. They are demanding the creation of a working group. According to them, decisions on the future of ČT and ČRo should not be the result of a unilateral political step, but of a broad public debate and cross-party agreement. This was stated in a letter available to CTK.

The government is expected to discuss in mid-June a draft law by Culture Minister Oto Klempíř (for Motorists) on public service media, which would transfer funding of both media outlets from licence fees to the state budget. In addition, there is a proposal by MPs led by Deputy Speaker of the Chamber Patrik Nacher (ANO), which would exempt certain groups of payers from fees, such as seniors living alone or companies with up to 50 employees.