Czech Households Drop 205-Crown Fee

Czech households will no longer pay the 205 crown monthly broadcasting fee starting with the implementation of the new funding model. The governing coalition voted late Friday night to advance the legislation, shifting the financial burden from individual consumers to the state budget.

The bill, which passed during a rare overnight session extending into Saturday, also mandates a 15 percent reduction in funding for Czech Television and Czech Radio. Nominal allocations for these public broadcasters will remain fixed for several years following the initial cut.

Prime Minister Andrej Babis, who leads the three-party government, pledged to eliminate the fee during his campaign last December. The administration is backed by the far-right SPD party, which has frequently criticized national broadcasters for their coverage of government policies.

Babis defended the restructuring as a measure to increase efficiency and fairness for lower-income residents. In a Facebook post published late Friday, he addressed concerns about editorial control. "There is no war for independent media," he wrote. "There is no fight for democracy and no nationalisation of media is being prepared."

Critics argue the move mirrors reforms in neighboring Hungary under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Employees at the public broadcasters have expressed alarm, citing the risk of government pressure when funding depends on the state budget rather than a dedicated fee.

Public broadcasters hold a prominent position in the country, ranking among the most trusted news sources. Czech Television remains the most-watched channel across multiple demographic groups. The shift in funding structure directly impacts the financial stability of these institutions.

Further action is scheduled for the coming days. A civic group has organized a public demonstration for Sunday. Journalists and other staff members at the broadcasters have announced a strike for November 3 to oppose the changes.