Czech media alliances set up a ten-point guideline for self-regulation
Czech Media Organisations Announce Coordinated Self-Regulatory Framework
In a significant move towards media transparency and independence, Czech media associations and public service broadcasters announced a coordinated self-regulatory framework on August 8, 2025. The initiative, known as the "Ten Commandments" approach, is designed to meet the requirements of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) and aims to establish unprecedented safeguards against media surveillance and editorial interference.
The participating organisations include the Association of Commercial Televisions, Association of Online Publishers, Association of Private Broadcasters, Czech National Committee of the International Press Institute, Czech Radio, Czech Television, Czech Press Agency, Czech Publishers' Union, the Syndicate of Journalists of the Czech Republic, and the Association for Internet Development in the Czech Republic.
The European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) has taken over the coordination of the announcement of the self-regulatory framework in relation to the implementation of the EMFA in the Czech Republic. The regulation harmonises standards for cross-border media operations and introduces transparency requirements for media ownership and state advertising allocation.
The regulation designates independent authorities for monitoring public service media compliance with funding and editorial independence requirements. It also addresses growing concerns about media surveillance by establishing safeguards against the surveillance of media professionals. Furthermore, the regulation extends media ownership transparency requirements beyond basic disclosure to include beneficial ownership structures and public funding relationships.
The EMFA requires enhanced scrutiny for audience measurement systems, and the regulation introduces comprehensive protections for media freedom, pluralism, and editorial independence throughout the European Union. The framework also empowers the European Board for Media Services, which replaces the European Regulators Group for Audiovisual Media Services, with enhanced powers for cross-border cooperation.
National regulatory authorities may request cooperation from counterparts in other member states for addressing cross-border media regulatory challenges. Notably, Czech public service broadcasters Czech Radio and Czech Television participate alongside commercial television associations and online publishers in this initiative.
Google announced its withdrawal from EU political advertising markets ahead of the Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising regulation taking effect. Meanwhile, the European Commission dismissed censorship claims around the Digital Services Act. However, the implementation of the EMFA and its associated regulatory frameworks, including the General Data Protection Regulation, Digital Markets Act, and emerging AI Act requirements, increases complexity due to overlapping regulations.
Filip Dotlačil, PA manager for SPIR, serves as the primary contact for inquiries regarding the initiative. The Czech self-regulatory initiative demonstrates proactive industry engagement with European regulatory frameworks, setting a precedent for media transparency and independence in the European Union.
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