The Czech cabinet signed off on legislation Monday to abolish mandatory licence fees for Czech TV and Czech Radio, shifting their funding to direct state budget allocations.
Culture Minister Oto Klempir called the change a modernization aligning the country with European partners. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, whose populist ANO party rules with the far-right SPD, cited a lack of financial oversight at the broadcasters. Staff have retaliated by declaring a 24-hour strike, arguing annual state dependence exposes them to political coercion.
Press freedom watchdog Reporters Without Borders described the new funding mechanism as absurd and a drastic reduction, warning it sets a dangerous precedent for disproportionate interference. The bill, which must now pass both parliamentary chambers, is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027.