Česká televize

Czech Television, known also as ČT or Česká televize, is the national public television broadcaster of the Czech Republic. It operates a suite of television channels that include general entertainment (ČT1), cultural and educational programming (ČT2), a 24‑hour news service (ČT24), a dedicated sports channel (ČT sport), and specialised offerings such as ČT art. In addition to linear broadcast, the organisation provides an online streaming platform, iVysílání, where viewers can watch live channels and on‑demand content. Its programming mix covers news, documentaries, drama, entertainment, children’s shows, and cultural productions aimed at the domestic audience. The service is available throughout the Czech Republic via terrestrial, cable, satellite and IPTV networks, and many of its programmes are also accessible abroad through satellite feeds and the internet. As a public service broadcaster, its mandate is to provide impartial, accurate information and to contribute to the cultural and educational life of the country.

Czech Television is funded principally by the television licence fee paid by households, supplemented by limited advertising and other revenues, and its financial and operational framework is defined by Czech law. Governance is exercised through a supervisory council and a director general, ensuring editorial independence from political and commercial interests. The organisation holds a distinctive position in the Czech media landscape as the sole nationwide public service television provider, complementing private broadcasters. Notable competencies include its capacity to produce large‑scale live event coverage, as demonstrated during the Winter Olympics broadcasts that were repeatedly targeted by cyber attacks in February 2022. In April 2022 the ČT24 news website suffered a DDoS attack that disrupted service, an incident linked to broader geopolitical tensions and previously claimed by a Russian‑affiliated hacker group. Headquartered in the Czech Republic, Czech Television continues to fulfil its public service role while adapting to digital distribution and cybersecurity challenges.