Radio Licence Fee
The radio licence fee is a statutory charge used to finance the public broadcasting service of Czech Radio. The obligation to pay the fee is linked to the possession or use of a radio receiver, as defined by Czech law. The fee is currently set at CZK 55 per month.
Legal definition of a radio receiver
Under Article 2(1) of Act No. 348/2005 Coll., on radio and television fees, as amended (the “Act”), the term radio receiver is interpreted broadly. It includes, in particular:
- car radios
- analogue radios enabling VHF/FM or SV/AM reception
- digital radios enabling DAB or DAB+ reception
- mini or micro audio systems
- analogue television sets used with a set-top box
- television sets receiving cable television, digital broadcasting or IPTV, including smart TVs
- mobile phones
- computers, laptops and tablets
The decisive factor is the technical ability of the device to receive radio broadcasting, regardless of whether this function is actively used.
Fee obligation
For households, the fee is paid once per household, irrespective of the number of radio receivers owned, possessed or used within a household.
Business entities are subject to a different regime. They are required to pay the radio licence fee for each receiver they own or use in connection with their business activities.
Licence fees in a European context
The European Broadcasting Union provides a detailed report on public service media funding across Europe. Its purpose is to provide a unique international perspective on licence fees, including recent reforms, the amounts charged and collection procedures.