Politics debate show host Václav Moravec quits Czech Television on air

Václav Moravec, the presenter of the main political debate show on public broadcaster Czech Television, announced he was leaving the station live on air on Sunday. At the end of Václav Moravec’s Questions he told viewers that it was his last appearance and that he could not guarantee the show’s editorial independence.

One of the guests on Sunday’s programme had been Tomio Okamura, head of government party Freedom and Direct and Democracy; Mr. Moravec had not invited the far-right politician as a guest for nine years.

The well-known moderator had been critical of Czech Television in recent interviews, which followed the removal of Hana Andělová as main editor of Václav Moravec’s Questions. Mr. Moravec had been the face of the programme, and one of the best-known figures at Czech Television, for over two decades.