PRAGUE – The trade unions of Czech Television (ČT) and Czech Radio (ČRo) have addressed Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, urging the government to halt the consideration of a proposed change to the funding of public service media. In an open letter, they point out that the current system, based on license fees, is functional and ensures the long-term independence of both institutions.

The letter, addressed to the Prime Minister, was published by the trade unions representing employees of Czech Television and Czech Radio. The information was provided by Jan Křemen, chairman of the Media Trade Union. According to the union representatives, there is no reason to fundamentally change the funding model, which has been used in the Czech Republic for many years. According to available information, the government is scheduled to discuss a draft law proposed by Minister of Culture Otakár Klempíř in mid-June. The proposal states that the funding of Czech Television and Czech Radio would no longer be provided through license fees, but directly from the state budget.

It is precisely this step that is causing concern among employees of public service media. The unions argue that direct funding from the state budget could increase the dependence of the media on the current political representation. They believe that the current system represents an important safeguard for editorial and institutional independence. "The license fee system works and there is no reason to replace it with another model," the trade unions state in their statement. In their opinion, the change could lead to uncertainty about the future funding of both media outlets and open the door to political pressure when approving budgetary funds.

The debate about the funding of public service media has been ongoing in the Czech Republic for several years. Proponents of funding through the state budget argue that it would simplify the system and eliminate the obligation to pay license fees. Critics, on the other hand, point out that separating public service media from the state budget is one of the fundamental principles of their independent operation. The Ministry of Culture's proposal is now awaiting government consideration. Its future will depend not only on the government's position, but also on the subsequent parliamentary debate. In the meantime, the unions are appealing to the Prime Minister to halt the consideration of the change and maintain the current funding system for Czech Television and Czech Radio.

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