Czech government to debate ending public broadcasting licence fees

The Czech government is set to discuss a proposal to abolish television and radio licence fees and replace them with direct state funding for public broadcasters. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) said ministers are also expected to decide how much funding Czech Television and Czech Radio would receive under the new system, with annual inflation adjustments built in. The cabinet will also consider legislation allowing the Supreme Audit Office to examine the finances of the two public broadcasters. The plan has drawn criticism from the opposition, media experts and employees of Czech Television and Czech Radio, who remain on strike alert.