Czech Government Moves to Tighten Control Over Public Broadcaster

Prague – The newly formed right-wing populist government in the Czech Republic, led by Prime Minister Andrej Babis, is taking steps to exert greater control over the country’s public broadcasting system, Czech Television and Czech Radio. The move, announced on February 17, 2026, centers on abolishing the current licensing fee funding model and implementing legislative changes aimed at reshaping the definition and operation of public media.

Funding Model Under Scrutiny

Currently, Czech Television and Czech Radio are primarily funded through licensing fees, generating approximately €450 million ($532 million) annually. This system has been in place for three decades and is credited with fostering independent journalism and a diverse media landscape. The government’s plan to abolish these fees represents a significant shift in financial support and raises concerns about potential political interference.

Government Justification and Proposed Changes

In a statement, the government outlined its intention to “update the definition of public broadcaster, more efficient use of resources and the elimination of duplicate costs.” The government has pointed to Slovakia as a model, where, according to reports, the public broadcaster has come under the complete control of Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government. Further legislative changes are expected to follow, impacting the operational independence of the broadcasters.

Concerns Over Independence and Media Freedom

Management at Czech Radio and Television have emphasized the value of the current funding system, arguing it provides maximum protection against political and economic influence. Critics fear that abolishing the licensing fee will leave the broadcasters vulnerable to government pressure and potentially compromise their editorial independence.

Slovakian Influence and Regional Trends

The involvement of Slovakian Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova, a key figure in reforms to Slovakia’s public broadcaster, has further fueled concerns. Simkovicova recently visited Prague to advise her Czech counterpart, Otto Klempir, on implementing similar reforms. This collaboration highlights a broader trend of governments in Central and Eastern Europe seeking to tighten control over media outlets.

Political Context

Andrej Babis’s ANO movement formed a coalition government in October 2025 with the Motorists for Themselves party and the far-right Freedom and Direct Democracy party. Babis, a billionaire businessman, had previously announced his intention to weaken the public broadcaster during his election campaign. The current actions align with those stated goals.

Potential for Public Response

The proposed changes echo a situation in Slovakia, where government attacks on public broadcasting sparked some of the largest demonstrations in recent years. It remains to be seen whether similar public opposition will emerge in the Czech Republic.