PM Babiš reported considering alternative funding for public broadcasters

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) has suggested that Czech Television and Czech Radio could be financed through a model inspired by Nordic countries, rather than directly from the state budget. The possibility emerged during Thursday’s meeting with Czech Television director-general Hynek Chudárek, who said no agreement had been reached. Czech Radio director-general René Zavoral, who was not invited, said the discussion of alternative models indicated that the government’s proposal required further consideration. He called for broader public and expert debate and stressed the importance of safeguarding the institutional and editorial independence of both broadcasters.