Why Czech media independence is under threat – and what we can learn from Slovakia

In Czechia, concerns over media independence are growing, and thousands of people are stepping up to demand change. 

A major call for action to safeguard the independence of Czech public media has gained significant traction, with 211 prominent organizations and over 12,000 individuals signing a petition titled Podpoř podpisem (Support with Your Signature) since November.

Spearheaded by groups like Díky, že můžem, Člověk v tísni, and Milion chvilek pro demokracii, the campaign highlights growing concerns over the influence of oligarch-owned private media and attempts to restrict public broadcasters.

The situation in Czechia comes on the heels of controversy in neighboring Slovakia, where the country’s media landscape also faces growing concerns over government intervention.

Ahead of a parliamentary vote on a key media reform bill, representatives from these organizations personally delivered their statement to members of government parties, including Minister of Culture Martin Baxa, urging them to prioritize the autonomy and financial resilience of Czech Television and Czech Radio.

The initiative has garnered support from a wide range of institutions across the country. Smaller regional nonprofits have also rallied behind the campaign, reflecting the public’s shared interest in maintaining access to unbiased information.

"In just two months, we’ve seen backing from leading cultural, educational, and nonprofit groups, from the National Theatre in Prague and Brno to the Czech Olympic Committee," said Bára Stárek, director of Díky, že můžem.

Stárek emphasized that the 12,000 citizen signatures demonstrate strong public concern about protecting the independence of public service media, which plays a crucial role in countering bias in privately owned outlets.

Advocates for the media reform law argue it is critical to address the vulnerabilities facing Czech public service media. Currently, many private outlets are controlled by wealthy oligarchs who reportedly leverage them for personal and political gain.

Simultaneously, some politicians have proposed linking public media funding directly to the state budget, a move critics warn could compromise journalistic freedom by creating a risk of government propaganda.

To raise awareness, activists distributed informational materials at Malostranské náměstí in Prague this week, underscoring the urgent need to protect public broadcasters from undue influence. To learn more about the petition, or sign it yourself, visit the official website.

Last summer, the Slovak government, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico's SMER party, introduced legislation to disband former public broadcaster RTVS and create a new entity, Slovak Television and Radio.

The bill granted parliament more control over public broadcasting by appointing a new director selected by a government-controlled council, effectively undermining the autonomy of the media.

The government's promotion of disinformation and attacks on media integrity add to the growing challenges for journalists in Slovakia. International calls have been made for urgent action to safeguard media independence and democratic values in the country.