Czech Government Approves Shift of Public Broadcasters to State Budget Funding Starting 2027

The Czech government approved a plan on Monday to change how public broadcasters are funded beginning in 2027. Under the plan, Czech Television and Czech Radio would receive allocations from the state budget rather than from fees paid by individuals, households, and businesses.

The plan sets funding levels approximately 15 percent lower than the amount received in 2026, with no provisions included for automatic future adjustments. Directors of the two broadcasters stated that the reduction would require laying off hundreds of staff members.

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said the media need to save money. The government is a three-party coalition.