In Karlovy Vary, moderator Řezníček discussed the role and importance of public-service media

Questions about foreign-correspondent experience as well as the present and future of news reporting at Czech Television accompanied today's discussion with moderator and deputy editor-in-chief of news at Czech Television, Martin Řezníček as part of the accompanying program of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

The public debate was the first event of the ČT24 zblízka project at the Czech Television House in Karlovy Vary's Theatre Square.

Řezníček spoke about the importance of public-service media, especially Czech Television and Czech Radio, and about concerns over their weakening.

In mid-June, the government approved a bill on the financing of Czech Television and Czech Radio that abolishes the existing television and radio licence-fee system and transfers the financing of both institutions to the state budget. The proposal would provide both media outlets with roughly 15 percent less funding than they have been operating with since last year's increase in licence fees.