Reading time: 3 minutes 
Public broadcasting fees in Czechia are set to increase from May following the recent approval of a new law signed by President Petr Pavel. Under the new legislation, fees for Czech Television and Czech Radio will rise, while the number of households obligated to pay will expand to include those with internet access, even if they do not own traditional broadcast devices.
The changes mark the first adjustment to these fees in nearly two decades and aim to provide more stable financing for public service media. Officials argue the move is necessary to ensure the independence and sustainability of broadcasting institutions amid shifting media consumption patterns and political pressures.
Higher fees and broader obligations
Under the new regulation, the monthly television fee will increase by CZK 15 to CZK 150, while the radio fee will rise by CZK 10 to CZK 55. Households with access to the internet, regardless of whether they own a television or radio, will now be required to pay the fees.
The law also introduces a provision to automatically adjust fees in future years based on the rate of inflation if it exceeds six percent, removing the need for future parliamentary approval.
Minister of Culture Martin Baxa noted that up to 600,000 new payers could be added under the expanded criteria. He estimated that the changes could bring Czech Television an additional CZK 860 million annually and Czech Radio around CZK 230 million.
The new law may bring some relief for small businesses, however. Businesses with up to 25 employees will now be exempt from payment, a change that could affect up to 260,000 Czech businesses.
Additionally, the new TV amendment limits the amount of advertising that Czech Television can air to 260 hours per year, with a portion of advertising revenues directed to the State Culture Fund. It also restricts both public media organizations from placing commercial advertisements on their websites.
Leaders of Czech Television and Czech Radio welcomed the law as a critical step toward securing independent, predictable financing. Czech Television Director Jan Souček described the move as a foundation for the network’s "stable and independent development."
Foreigners in Czechia: Who has to pay, and how?
For foreigners residing in Czechia, the rules around the TV and radio fees depend largely on their residency status. Households made up entirely of foreigners who do not hold permanent or long-term residence permits are generally not required to pay.
However, foreigners with long-term or permanent residence permits are treated like Czech citizens and are therefore obligated to pay. If you live in Czechia, hold long-term or permanent residency, and have access to the internet, you are likely required to register and start paying the fees.
Note that fees are paid per household, not per person. If you are part of multiple households (e.g., an apartment and a cottage), you only need to pay a single fee.
Czech Television and Czech Radio both offer online portals where you can register to pay the monthly TV and radio fees. Payment can be set up monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually, and payment methods include card, bank transfer, or through the SIPO system at Czech Post.
If you meet the eligibility requirements but do not register to pay the monthly fee, you may face a fine of CZK 10,000 for television and CZK 5,000 for radio, as well as interest and court costs if the debts are pursued.
See our previous article for more information on paying the public broadcasting fees for television and radio in the Czech Republic.
