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Czech Government Ends Licence Fees, 15% Media Funding Cut

6/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Andrej Babis's government agreed to end licence fees, shift Czech public broadcasters' financing to the state budget and cut funding by roughly 15%, freeing households from the 205-crown monthly fee, pending parliamentary approval.
Reporters Without Borders warned the reform could pressure public media and breach EU rules on broadcaster funding.
Czech Television director Hynek Chudarek said the cut could force 300-500 layoffs of its 2,900 employees.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Andrej Babis's government agreed to end licence fees, shift Czech public broadcasters' financing to the state budget and cut funding by roughly 15%, freeing households from the 205-crown monthly fee, pending parliamentary approval.
Reporters Without Borders warned the reform could pressure public media and breach EU rules on broadcaster funding.
Czech Television director Hynek Chudarek said the cut could force 300-500 layoffs of its 2,900 employees.