CZECH REPUBLIC

        The law provides for freedom of speech and of the press, and the Government respects this right in practice.  Individuals can and do speak out on political issues and freely criticize the Government and public figures.  A wide variety of newspapers, magazines, and journals, owned by a variety of Czech and foreign investors, are published without government interference.  The press and media continue to operate under Communist-era laws.  In 1997 the President signed into law a measure revoking a 36-year-old statue on the “defamation” of the President, which became effective in January.  Although another Communist-era law against defamation of the Republic remains in effect, the last convictions under this statute occurred in 1996.
        The electronic media are independent.  There are 3 television stations, 1 public and 2 private, and more than 60 private radio stations, in addition to Czech Public Radio.  The leading television channel, Nova, is privately owned, partially by foreign investors.  Citizens also have access to foreign broadcasts via satellite and cable, and increasingly, via the Internet.
        A nine-member Television and Radio Council has limited regulatory responsibility for policymaking and answers to the parliamentary media committee, which exercises broad oversight of the Council and approves its members.  The Council can issue and revoke radio and television licenses and monitors programming.
        The law provides for academic freedom but forbids activities by established political parties at universities.

Last Updated: 11/20/99

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