The European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), together with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the undersigned international media and journalists’ organisations, is deeply worried by the direction of current discussions in Czechia regarding the future of public service media funding.

The ruling coalition has announced its intention to submit a parliamentary bill proposing a significant reduction in licence fee contributions – excluding roughly a quarter of all Czech households (seniors over 75, people with disabilities, dependent young people under 26) along with more than 17,000 businesses from payment.

Proposals to abolish the inflation clause also cause a concern as indexation ensures public service media can cope with the rising costs.

Czech Radio and Czech Television have warned that such changes would have severe economic consequences, undermining financial stability and potentially affecting their ability to fulfil their public service remit.

These measures have been presented as a transitional step toward the complete abolition of licence fees and their replacement with direct state budget funding, with full implementation envisaged from 2027.

In Czechia, recent increases to the licence fee were the first in almost 20 years, underlining the ongoing financial pressure on public service media. Any move to reduce, dismantle or replace this model of funding risks undermining the long-term sustainability and independence of these essential institutions.

Public service media are a cornerstone of democratic societies, providing trusted news, supporting pluralism and serving all audiences. To fulfil this role, they must be guaranteed stable, adequate and independent funding, in line with the European Media Freedom Act and long-standing European standards.

Funding reforms of this scale must be subject to broad and meaningful consultation with all stakeholders and include robust safeguards to protect editorial and institutional independence. The EBU stands ready to contribute to any such consultation.

At a time when trusted information is more important than ever, it is vital that Czech public service media are equipped with the resources and independence they need to continue serving society.

Signed by

European Broadcasting Union (EBU)

European Federation of Journalists ( EFJ)

European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)

Justice for Journalists Foundation (JJF)

Association of European Journalists (AEJ)

Reporters Without Borders (RSF)

International Press Institute (IPI)