The Czech Republic is gearing up for major changes to TV advertising and the funding of its film industry.
According to E15, a new television act, which is currently with the Chamber of Deputies, will result in commercials being withdrawn for two of the Czech public broadcaster’s four channels (CT1 and CT24).
Revenues from its two other channels CT2 and CT4 will go to the State Cultural Fund and the production of sports programmes respectively.
The commercial stations TV Nova, Prima TV and TV Barrandov will meanwhile be required to pay 2% of their net annual net income from advertising to the Cinematography Fund.
This is being particularly opposed to TV Barrandov, which is a relative newcomer to the marketplace and fears its development could be hindered by the new levy.
The Czech ad industry has meanwhile raised concerns that following the withdrawal of commercials from the two CT channels TV Nova and Prima TV would claim a combined market share of 95% and an even stronger position to dictate terms.
