A proposed government law targeting public media in the Czech Republic may violate the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), according to warnings from the International Press Institute (IPI). The IPI asserts that EU member states must guarantee the independent functioning of public media through transparent and predictable funding.
Proposed Shift in Funding Model
The bill, introduced by a coalition of ANO, SPD, and Motoristů, seeks to transition the funding of public media from a fee-based system to the state budget starting in January 2027. Alongside this shift, the proposal aims to reduce allocated funds to levels seen before last year’s fee increase.
a parliamentary proposal may precede the law, which would exempt certain groups of taxpayers from paying fees starting in the middle of this year.
EU Legal Risks and Potential Sanctions
MEP Danuše Nerudová (STAN) has already contacted the European Commission regarding the potential breach of the EMFA. She warns that the Czech Republic could face significant penalties, including fines and the freezing of European funds.
According to Nerudová, the European Commission may launch an investigation into the matter based on violations of European law or a breach of the rule of law principle anchored in the EU Treaty.
Concerns Over Political Influence
Scott Griffen, Executive Director of the IPI, and Robert Čásenský, Chair of the institute’s Czech branch, argue that the change increases the risk of political interference. This risk specifically threatens independent reporting and the professional function of journalists, regardless of which political party is in power.
The IPI suggests the proposal reflects hostility toward Czech Television and Czech Radio from the current governing coalition led by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO). Griffen noted that Babiš has previously attempted to weaken the institutional safeguards that protect media independence.
Opposition and Institutional Pushback
The political opposition has rejected the bill and is threatening to employ obstruction tactics during the approval process. Experts have further criticized the proposal for failing to detail how state budget funding would be managed or how existing obligations, such as the operation of regional studios, would be maintained.
Public media unions have also voiced opposition, citing the threat of reduced production and potential employee layoffs. The IPI has called on the government to abandon these plans to ensure the preservation of institutional independence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main change proposed for public media funding?
The proposal by the ANO, SPD, and Motoristů coalition aims to move funding from a fee-based system to the state budget by January 2027, while reducing the total amount of funding to levels prior to last year’s fee increase.
Why does the IPI believe this law is dangerous?
The IPI warns that removing the fee-based model eliminates a critical buffer protecting the independence of Czech Television and Czech Radio, which could lead to increased political influence over independent reporting.
What are the possible consequences if the law is passed?
The Czech Republic could face EU investigations, fines, and the freezing of European funds due to potential violations of the European Media Freedom Act and the principle of the rule of law.
Do you believe that state-funded media can remain truly independent from the government that controls the budget?
