Czech Television

Czech Television was established on 1 January 1992 by Act No. 483/1991 Coll., replacing the Czechoslovak Television after the split of the federation. Its legal status is defined as a public service broadcaster, independent from state and political influence, with a governing body called the Council of Czech Television, whose members are elected by the Chamber of Deputies. The broadcaster's funding comes from a monthly license fee paid by every household with a television, currently set at 135 CZK, supplemented by limited advertising revenue on certain channels. This model ensures editorial independence but has been subject to periodic political debates about the fee level and the broadcaster's mandate.

Czech Television operates four main channels: ČT1, a generalist channel with news, drama, and entertainment; ČT2, focused on documentaries, nature, and educational content; ČT24, a 24-hour news channel launched in 2005; and ČT art, dedicated to culture and the arts, launched in 2013. Additionally, ČT :D is a children's channel and ČT sport covers sports events. The broadcaster is known for its high-quality original productions, including the acclaimed historical series Bathory and the detective series Případy 1. oddělení. It also co-produces international projects and has a strong reputation for its coverage of cultural events, such as the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

Czech Television has embraced digital platforms, offering an extensive video-on-demand service called iVysílání, which provides live streaming and archival access to most of its programs. The broadcaster also operates a news website, ct24.cz, and a dedicated mobile app. In 2020, it launched a new streaming platform called ČT+ for premium content. These digital services have expanded the broadcaster's reach, particularly among younger audiences, and have been crucial during major events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when public service media played a vital role in disseminating reliable information.

One of the lesser-known aspects of Czech Television is its role in the Velvet Revolution of 1989, when its predecessor, Czechoslovak Television, was a key site of protest and later broadcast the first uncensored reports. Another notable fact is that the broadcaster has won multiple international awards, including an Emmy for its documentary Czech Dream in 2005. Czech Television also operates a unique archive of over 200,000 hours of footage, some dating back to the 1930s, which is used by researchers and filmmakers. Additionally, the broadcaster has a tradition of broadcasting the annual Christmas message of the President, a practice that began in 1993.

License fee

A mandatory monthly payment by households to fund public broadcasting.

Public service broadcaster

A broadcaster that operates for public benefit, independent of commercial and political interests.

iVysílání

Czech Television's video-on-demand service.