Andrej Babiš calls for media professionalism and ethical reporting

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has issued a call to domestic media outlets to reject verbal attacks, manipulation, and the practice of taking information out of context. Speaking at a press conference following a government meeting, Babiš addressed a recent appeal titled ‘Základní hranice’ (Basic Boundary) released by the editors-in-chief of approximately forty media organizations.

Babiš stated that while criticism of politicians is legitimate, media independence does not grant immunity from criticism or the right to present misleading interpretations as verified facts. He emphasized that ‘the word must not be a weapon’ and urged journalists to adhere to ethical codes and provide truthful, complete, and impartial information.

The editors-in-chief's original appeal called on political figures at national, regional, and municipal levels to reject violence, maintain decent communication, and respect free access to information. In response to the Prime Minister's remarks, Robert Čásenský, editor-in-chief of Seznam Zprávy, expressed hope that the government would take the media's concerns seriously.