Czech bishops urge preservation of licence fee to safeguard public broadcasters' independence

In a statement, the permanent council of Czech bishops reaffirmed that one outlet licence-fee system is a vital guarantee of the editorial independence of Czech Television (ČT) and Czech Radio (ČRo) and called for its preservation. Their plea comes as coalition MPs from ANO, SPD and the Motoristé party moved a bill to eliminate the fee in a second reading, despite resistance from the opposition. Archbishop Stanislav Přibyl of Prague had previously warned that altering the financing of the public broadcasters would be unwise.

The bishops argued that, amid widespread disinformation and international tension, public media’s professional, trustworthy service benefits the entire nation rather than specific political or economic interests. They highlighted the importance of quality news, independent oversight of power, and diverse viewpoints for democratic decision-making, as well as regional studies that reflect experiences from all parts of the country.

The leadership of Janáčkovy akademie múzických umění also warned that current political moves threaten media independence. A petition organized by students and teachers at Masaryk University in support of ČT and ČRo has attracted roughly 1,120 signatures.