Blaník mocks coalition plan to scrap Czech TV and radio fees

The character Tonda Blaník, a lobbyist from the web series “Kancelář Blaník”, has released a video about the latest moves of the ruling coalition. The trigger was a bill on the funding of Czech Television and Czech Radio, which is expected to abolish the licence fees. Protests against it are also taking place in Prague.

“The government wants to help you, to make your life easier, you will no longer have to pay 205 crowns a month. That will be the life,” says Blaník in the clip, traditionally played by actor Marek Daniel. He also comments on the appearance of presenter Marek Eben on Saturday’s StarDance, who spoke in a restrained way about the actions of the MPs. “We believe that good will win in the end. The devil will take all the wicked,” Eben said. His colleague Tereza Kostková added that she was wearing green, the colour of hope.

Blaník, in response, is outraged by Eben’s “extremist humour”. He then shows what Czech Television’s broadcasting might look like: he is surprised by the proposals sent to him, citing “notes” from Andy. Among such programmes are Minister Juchelka’s “Jellyfish” about corruption, “Over the Letters of Informers” by Ota Klempíř, “Songs with Macinka” and “Driving Decently with Filip Turek”.

Why the MPs ended up in the spotlight

The video responds to the debate over an amendment changing the funding of Czech Television and Czech Radio. The coalition unexpectedly put it on the Chamber of Deputies’ agenda on Friday, and overnight from Friday to Saturday the MPs voted on the law meant to abolish the licence fees in a highly unconventional manner.

Throughout the night session, people protested outside the Chamber of Deputies. On Sunday afternoon, demonstrators filled Old Town Square in Prague, and new actions are being prepared. The opposition promises to do everything to stop the change in the law from passing in later readings and to keep public media from losing their fee funding.

Who is Blaník

The lobbyist Blaník is the main character of the web series “Kancelář Blaník”. The plots allude to political backstage dealings, are inspired by leaked police wiretaps, and the episodes were based on cases covered by the media. The name of the series and its hero is linked to the well-known Prague passage Blaník, where, rumour has it, a kind of shadow city hall of lobbyists operated under Mayor Pavel Bém.

In 2018 came the film “President Blaník”, reacting to the presidential election. In 2020 came the first episode of the series “Republika Blaník”, made by the same team. Tonda Blaník also appears in the theatre, in shows about current events.

Around Prague, based on reporting by novinky.cz