PM Babiš proposes voluntary licence fees without direct state budget funding

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) says the government is preparing a new funding model for Czech Television and Czech Radio that would retain licence fees on a voluntary basis while avoiding direct financing from the state budget. Speaking on TV Nova on Saturday, Babiš said the Finance Ministry was working on the proposal, which would guarantee both broadcasters a certain amount of funding. He also promised unrestricted parliamentary debate when the controversial bill returns for its second reading in January. The legislation passed its first reading last weekend, prompting public protests. The coalition will discuss the revised proposal on Monday.