Journalist Nina Ortová Leaves Czech Television Over Fears of State Takeover

Journalist Nina Ortová has announced her departure from Czech Television (ČT), where she had worked since 2020. She shared the news of her decision on Sunday via the social network LinkedIn.

“I didn’t leave out of spite. I had my own reasons, but the current serious threat of the station being turned into a state broadcaster only sped up my decision,” Ortová wrote. According to her, she prepared material for the programs Byznys ČT24, Noční zprávy, Studio 6, Studio ČT24, Události, as well as economic commentary and the show Ekonomika ČT24.

The journalist made her stance clear: “I simply will not be a state editor — not for this government, nor for any other. Anyone who still doesn’t understand the difference between state television and public-service television should go back and fill in the gaps in their basic education,” she said.

The remarks come amid plans by Andrej Babiš’s (ANO) government to scrap the TV and radio licence fees and switch public-service media funding to direct state budget financing. The initiative has drawn opposition not only from the political opposition and segments of society, but also from a significant number of employees within Czech Television and Radio itself.

Source: novinky.cz