As a body of academic self-governance, we consider it important to comment on current developments in the field of public media. Their independence, freedom, and the preservation of the principles of a democratic society are issues that deserve our attention.
The Academic Senate of the Faculty of Economics at the University of South Bohemia therefore endorses the statement issued by the Academic Senate of the Faculty of Science at the University of South Bohemia on October 26, 2026, which highlights the importance of upholding democratic principles, transparency in the legislative process, and open public debate. We are convinced that a democratic society is based not only on the outcomes of decision-making itself, but also on the trust, openness, and accountability with which these decisions are made.
The Academic Senate of the Faculty of Economics at the University of South Bohemia supports the rally in support of the independence of public service media scheduled for November 3, 2026, and is prepared to help organize it.
The adopted resolution of the Academic Senate of the Faculty of Economics at the University of South Bohemia can be found here.
You can find the resolution adopted by the Academic Senate of the Faculty of Science at the University of South Bohemia here.
The statement from the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice is provided below.
The University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice joins the positions taken by the Czech Rectors’ Conference (ČKR) and the Association of Research Universities of the Czech Republic (AVUni), which highlight the potential risks of the proposed changes to the funding of Czech Television and Czech Radio. In doing so, the university expresses its support for independent journalism, freedom of speech, and open public debate.
In its statement dated October 23, 2026, the Presidium of the Czech Rectors’ Conference emphasized the need for independent and predictable funding of public service media. It also highlighted their irreplaceable role in education and the popularization of science. According to the rectors, any changes to funding should not jeopardize the independence or quality of the public service provided.
This position was followed on October 25 by a joint statement from the rectors of seven universities affiliated with the Association of Research Universities of the Czech Republic, which includes the University of South Bohemia. The rectors point out that transferring the funding for Czech Television and Czech Radio to the state budget could weaken their economic stability and increase the risk of indirect political pressure.
At the same time, they express their disagreement with the manner in which the proposed changes are being debated and call on lawmakers not to support the bill in its current form. They emphasize that such a fundamental decision must be preceded by an open expert and public debate.
The University of South Bohemia considers independent, high-quality public service media to be an important part of a democratic society. The universities’ joint approach is also an expression of the values upon which a free academic environment is based.
https://www.avuni.eu/media/4260594/avuni_vyjadreni_media_10_26.pdf
