The director general of Czech Television said that the broadcaster needs a budget of at least 8.5 billion crowns in 2027.
Director General of Czech Television Hynek Chudárek said on 21 October 2026 that, to keep the current scope of its public service, the broadcaster needs a 2027 budget of at least this year's 8.5 billion crowns. Even in that case, he said, it must introduce savings measures because of rising input costs, the increase in the minimum wage and higher rates for creative professions.
According to Chudárek, the management of Czech Television has started optimisation and transformation while keeping all six channels, including internet broadcasting and digital services. This includes reducing jobs that, he said, are unrelated to any change in funding. The broadcaster has about 2,900 employees.
The budget is based on planned income from television licence fees, which Czech Television expects to reach 6.7 billion crowns this year and 7 billion in 2027. The government's draft law on the funding of public service media assumes a contribution from the state budget of 5.7 billion crowns, which is one billion less than the licence fee collection expected this year and 1.3 billion less than that expected in 2027.
Chudárek described the introduction of funding changes next year as unrealistic given the legislative process and the rules of the state budget. He said that Czech Television will push for amendments to the law during its discussion in the Chamber of Deputies and that it is building a financial reserve in case its budget is cut.
Chronology
- — Czech Television director general Hynek Chudárek said that the broadcaster needs 8.5 billion crowns next year to maintain the current scope of its public service. Seznam Zprávy
Sources
- Seznam Zprávy — 21 October 2026