Czech government shifts TV and radio funding to state budget, igniting media‑freedom dispute

The Czech cabinet approved a law that will abolish the traditional licence fees for public television and radio, moving the financing of Czech Television (ČT) and Czech Radio (ČRo) onto the state budget starting in January. The reform also expands the fee base to include users of internet‑connected devices, such as smartphones and tablets.

Opposition parties, led by the Civic Democratic Party (ODS), condemned the change, warning that funding public broadcasters directly from the state could threaten their independence and democratic safeguards. ODS leader Martin Kupka urged citizens to defend the public service media, framing the reform as a step toward censorship and political control.

Supporters of the measure argue that the new system will simplify payment collection and secure stable financing for the broadcasters, while critics fear it may increase political leverage over editorial content.