European Broadcasting Union warns on Czech media reforms and admits CBC as full member

At its General Assembly in Prague, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) voiced concern over the Czech government’s proposed changes to public broadcasters. EBU General Director Noel Curran warned that steep budget cuts and the removal of licence‑fee guarantees could jeopardise the independence and credibility of Czech Radio and Television, stating, “The Czech Radio and Television have a high reputation for quality journalism…".

The assembly also approved a change to the EBU statutes, upgrading Canada’s CBC/Radio‑Canada from associate to full membership. EBU Director Curran said, “CBC/Radio‑Canada is since our founding 1950 part of the EBU family…”. Full membership grants CBC access to all EBU networks, including the Eurovision News and Euroradio Music Exchanges, and opens the possibility for the broadcaster to enter the Eurovision Song Contest from 2027. Additionally, Catalan channel 3Cat received a newly created special status.

These decisions highlight the EBU’s role in safeguarding public‑service media standards across Europe while expanding cooperation with non‑European partners.