Document 233 - Written interpellation by Vít Rakušan to Andrej Babiš concerning a meeting on the future of public-service media

Scope: Section 112; pages 1–10.

The document contains a written interpellation by Vít Rakušan and the Prime Minister’s response regarding planned changes to the funding and legal framework of public media. The interpellation warns that both government and parliamentary proposals could jeopardize the stability and independence of Czech Television (ČT) and Czech Radio (ČRo), conflict with the European EMFA Act, and cause a significant shortfall in revenue. The attached supporting documents outline the shared concerns of some political parties and the leadership of Czech Television and Czech Radio, particularly regarding the abolition of license fees, the consolidation of regulations for both media outlets, and potential interference in the functioning of their governing boards. In his response, the Prime Minister confirms the intention to abolish license fees and fund the media from the state budget, but notes that the specific details of the changes have not yet been finalized and will be further discussed.