The Czech public broadcaster Ceska Televize (CT) has approved long-term plans until 2024.
In a statement, it says they guarantee economic and program stability and show that it is also able to meet the requirements and objectives of the Czech Television Act in this period.
According to CT’s CEO Petr Dvorak, “the approved long-term plans include the austerity measures proposed by us and ensure the full functioning of Czech Television until 2024, a year longer than my term of office.
“At the same time, the plans reflect the evolution of economic parameters, which have a major impact on television activities. At the end of the planning period it will be 17 years after the last increase in the fee. Inflation cuts its value so that its fair value is now 22% lower than it was in 2008. Economic pressure is being exacerbated by other input prices, labour market developments that determine wages, or rising prices for television rights”.
“It is evident that in the medium term, without any change in the way of financing, it will be necessary to reduce the public service provided by CT to its viewers today. In the near future we will want to initiate a debate with lawmakers on the required future scope and quality of production and broadcasting”.
CT says that long-term plans are drawn up to not only ensure its functioning until 2024 but also to create no major crisis situations after this year. At the end of the planning period, CT will still have sufficient funds in its accounts, amounting to CZK700 million, ie approximately one tenth of the current budget.
In addition to the Long-Term Plans for 2020-2024, Czech Television also approved the Budget for 2020 in February this year.
