Česká televize considers Eurovision withdrawal amid budget cuts

Czech public broadcaster Česká televize (ČT) is considering withdrawing from the Eurovision Song Contest due to significant budget cuts. The broadcaster plans to reduce spending by 350 million koruna, a move intended by CEO Hynek Chudárek to prepare the organization for a future of potentially unstable funding.

The cost-saving measures are expected to impact various aspects of operations, including programming for children, local networks, and specific shows such as ‘Třináctá komnata’. While some reports suggest the decision to exit Eurovision is imminent, other sources indicate that the final savings plan has not yet been fully finalized.

This follows a period of previous budgetary challenges for the broadcaster, which saw it absent from the contest between 2009 and 2015. This year, the country saw high engagement after qualifying for the final, finishing 16th.