The groups reference EMFA, in force since August 2025, which demands editorial and functional independence for public service media and sustainable, predictable funding.

The signatories argue funding changes must preserve editorial independence and align with EMFA requirements for transparency, objectivity, and protection from political influence.

They flag potential risks of placing public media under NKÚ oversight, including using audits to cut budgets or pressure outlets, and call for transparent, non-instrumental audits.

Internal government differences on licence fee reform are noted, with concerns that shifting to direct state funding could invite political pressure and undermine independence despite guardrails.

The statement is coordinated by the Media Freedom Rapid Response, a Europe-wide mechanism monitoring press and media freedom in EU member states and candidate countries.

Historical context draws on Slovakia and Lithuania to stress robust safeguards for independence in governance and leadership appointments.

They note high public trust in Czech Television and Czech Radio and warn reforms could erode trust and service quality.

A coalition of national and international press freedom groups urges the government to uphold independent, adequately funded public service media and avoid reforms that threaten editorial independence and audience trust.

The programme proposal to abolish the licence fee and place public media under NKÚ funding oversight is highlighted as a core threat to funding and independence.

An open letter from Public Media Alliance, RSF, and Czech and international partners urges the Czech government to guarantee financial independence for public media, ahead of a parliamentary confidence vote.

The letter specifically calls on the prime minister and culture minister to protect independence amid the new government programme that could threaten it.

It warns that abolishing the licence fee would undermine editorial independence and funding transparency, and may conflict with the European Media Freedom Act without a compliant alternative.