Czech PM Babis Moves to Eliminate 205-Crown Household TV Fee

Prime Minister Andrej Babis led his coalition in advancing a bill to abolish the 205 crown household broadcasting fee. The measure passed the initial legislative hurdle in a late-night session that extended into the early hours of Saturday, October 24. Lawmakers voted to send the proposal to committees for further review.

The plan replaces the current consumer fee with state budget funding. Under the new structure, Czech Television and Czech Radio would see their funding reduced by approximately 15 percent. Nominal funding levels would remain static for several years following the initial cut.

Babis, a billionaire who took office in December 2025, promised to eliminate the fee during his campaign. His three-party government, which includes the far-right SPD, has frequently criticized media coverage of its policies. Babis argues the shift is fairer for lower-income households and forces broadcasters to operate with greater efficiency.

Critics argue the change threatens editorial independence. Opposition parties have compared the reform to measures taken in Hungary under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Employees of the public broadcasters expressed concern that tying their finances directly to the state budget increases government leverage.

Babis addressed these concerns in a Facebook post on Friday evening. He stated that there is no war for independent media and no preparation for nationalization. The Prime Minister described the move as a fulfillment of his pledge to voters.

Public broadcasters hold a prominent position in Czech society, ranking among the most trusted news sources in the country. Czech Television remains the most-watched broadcaster across multiple demographic groups.

Protesters are scheduled to demonstrate on Sunday. Additionally, journalists and staff at the broadcasters have announced a strike for November 3.