Czech MEP Danuše Nerudová (PPE) has raised concerns that a proposed government reform to abolish licence fees could severely underfund Czech Television and Czech Radio, potentially breaching the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA). In a parliamentary question submitted on 14 April 2026, she warns that the reform would cut funding by approximately CZK 1 billion for television and CZK 400 million for radio annually, starting as early as next year. The move, she argues, threatens the financial sustainability and editorial independence of public service media, impacting viewers, listeners, and media plurality in the Czech Republic.
Nerudová's question cites warnings from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and a coalition of international media organisations, which stress that any reform must ensure 'stable, adequate and predictable funding' in line with European standards, including the EMFA. Stakeholders have flagged severe economic consequences that could hamper the broadcasters' ability to fulfil their public service remit.
first, how it views the compatibility of the Czech reform with the EMFA's requirement for adequate, sustainable, and predictable funding; second, what criteria the Commission uses to assess whether national funding mechanisms safeguard editorial independence, and whether it has engaged with Czech authorities on the reforms; and third, what concrete actions the Commission intends to take if it finds the proposed model risks non-compliance with EU law.
As a parliamentary question under Rule 144, the Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks. The answer will signal the Commission's stance on the reform and its willingness to enforce EMFA provisions, potentially influencing the Czech government's final legislative proposal.
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