# Česká televize budget cuts and restructuring

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/esk-televize-budget-cuts-and-restructuring
> Updated: 2026-10-06T09:06:23.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 3.

Czech public broadcaster Česká televize (ČT) is facing significant budgetary challenges, necessitating a savings plan to address a 350 million CZK deficit for 2027. CEO Hynek Chudárek has indicated these measures are intended to prepare the organization for potentially unstable future funding.

Initial considerations for cost-cutting included the possibility of withdrawing from the Eurovision Song Contest. The broadcaster also identified potential reductions in children’s programming, local networks, and specific shows such as ‘Třináctá komnata’. Subsequent developments show the broadcaster plans to cease filming in its regional studios in Brno and Ostrava, reducing the frequency of regional news programs like ‘Z kraje’ and ‘Newsroom’ to once per month.

As of October 2026, ČT has officially announced that the Czech Republic will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, citing unavailable organizational, technical, and financial resources. This decision is linked to a proposed government reform led by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, which seeks to transition public media funding from a viewer license fee system to direct state funding. This shift is estimated to result in budget reductions of up to 1.75 billion CZK.

While the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) expressed regret and understanding regarding the financial pressures, critics such as Reporters Without Borders have raised concerns that the transition to state funding could threaten the independence of public media. ČT noted that future participation in Eurovision remains subject to case-by-case evaluation.

## Claims

- The decision is due to ongoing budget adjustments. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The proposed budget for 2027 is 350 million CZK lower than previously planned. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Budget cuts will impact investments, wages, and program production. (single source)
- The EBU expressed understanding of the financial pressures on public broadcasters. (single source)
- Czech representative Daniel Žižka placed 16th in the most recent contest. (single source)
- The country's best Eurovision result was 6th place by Mikolas Josef in 2018. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-06: Czechia to withdraw from Eurovision 2027 due to budget cuts

Czech Television has announced the country will not participate in Eurovision 2027, citing budget cuts and a proposed shift in public media funding models.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/czech-republic-to-skip-eurovision-2027-due-to-budget-cuts

### 2026-10-02: Česká televize to cut regional production due to budget constraints

Česká televize plans to cut 350 million CZK by 2027, leading to the closure of regional studios in Brno and Ostrava and the cancellation of several programs.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/czech-television-to-cut-regional-studio-operations-due-to-budget-constraints

### 2026-09-30: Česká televize considers Eurovision withdrawal amid budget cuts

Czech public broadcaster Česká televize is considering withdrawing from the Eurovision Song Contest as part of a 350 million koruna budget cut aimed at stabilizing future funding.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/esk-televize-considers-eurovision-withdrawal-amid-budget-cuts

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Cite as: Česká televize budget cuts and restructuring. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/esk-televize-budget-cuts-and-restructuring