Prague – Significant changes are underway in the leadership of Czech public broadcasting, with the Chamber of Deputies appointing new members to the councils of Czech Television (ČT) and Czech Radio (ČRo) on Friday, March 6, 2026. These appointments, crucial for overseeing the operations and editorial independence of these vital institutions, come at a time of increasing scrutiny of media governance in the Czech Republic.
Former head of the Brno studio of Czech Television, Vladimír Karmazín, has been re-elected to the ČT Council. Daniel Váňa, a former member of the Czech Television Council, will now serve on the Czech Radio Council. The moves signal a continuation of existing oversight structures, but also introduce fresh perspectives as the media landscape evolves. The appointments are part of a broader effort to fill vacancies within the councils responsible for ensuring the public service mandate of these broadcasters is upheld.
Karmazín secured 88 votes in the secret ballot, exceeding the required 83 out of 165 votes cast, according to reports. His return to the ČT Council follows the expiration of his previous mandate in June 2024. Váňa received 85 votes, narrowly surpassing the threshold for election to the Czech Radio Council. The selection process wasn’t without competition. a second round of voting will be needed to fill the remaining seat on the Czech Radio Council, with Pavel Baran and Miroslav Dittrich advancing to the next stage. Martin Kolovratník (ANO), Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies’ electoral committee, announced the results.
New Faces at Czech Radio and Television
The appointments to the councils of ČT and ČRo are particularly noteworthy given their role in shaping the future direction of public service media in the Czech Republic. The councils are responsible for approving budgets, selecting the directors-general and ensuring the broadcasters remain independent from political interference. The Czech Television Council now comprises 18 members, having expanded by three last year, even as the Czech Radio Council consists of nine members. A third of the seats on both councils are now filled by the Senate.
Beyond the appointments to ČT and ČRo, the Chamber of Deputies also completed the selection process for the Czech Press Agency (ČTK) Council. Romana Žatecká, representing the SPD party, was elected to the council, while René Levínský, a candidate from the Pirate Party, was unsuccessful. This completes the seven-member ČTK Council, following the earlier appointment of Jiří Ovčáček, a former presidential spokesperson, in January.
The votes weren’t universally successful. In the ČT Council election, Milan Fric, a lawyer, and Petr Husák, a journalist, did not secure enough votes. Similarly, Nina Nováková, a former KDU-ČSL MP, Zdeněk Mahdal, an actor and presenter, and Miroslav Konvalina, a journalist and former head of Radiožurnál, were unsuccessful in their bids for seats on the Czech Radio Council.
Impact on Public Service Media
These appointments come as public service media faces ongoing debates about funding, editorial independence, and its role in a rapidly changing media environment. The councils play a critical role in navigating these challenges and ensuring that ČT, ČRo, and ČTK continue to serve the public interest. The composition of these councils is therefore a matter of significant public concern.
The selection process itself has drawn attention, with some candidates expressing concerns about the political climate surrounding the appointments. Still, the successful candidates bring a range of experience and perspectives to the councils, potentially fostering constructive dialogue and informed decision-making.
Looking ahead, the newly constituted councils will face immediate challenges, including the ongoing debate over the financing of public service media and the require to adapt to new technologies and audience consumption patterns. The next steps will involve the councils establishing their priorities and working with the broadcasters to implement their strategic plans. The public will be watching closely to see how these new leaders shape the future of Czech public broadcasting.
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