Former Czech Television directors defend licence fee funding

Two former Czech Television directors, Ivo Mathé and Petr Dvořák, say licence fees remain the best way to finance Czech public broadcasters. Speaking on Václav Moravec’s online talk show on Sunday, they argued that the system is efficient and maintains a direct link with audiences. The governing coalition has advanced legislation replacing fees with state funding, which would cut Czech Television’s annual income by one billion crowns and Czech Radio’s by 400 million. Both former directors questioned the proposed change and urged the broadcasters’ current chiefs to act together. The bill is due for its second reading in January, amid opposition and calls for employee strikes.