Canceling the retransmission of Czech TV stations is not desirable

The Telecommunications Union of the Slovak Republic (TÚSR) welcomes the conclusions of the Antimonopoly Office of the Slovak Republic (PMÚ) in connection with the investigation of the retransmission of Czech TV stations on the territory of the Slovak Republic, which stated that the cancellation of the entire broadcast of foreign TV stations is not desirable and cannot be forced against operators. TUSR agrees with the statement of PMÚ, according to which the termination of the distribution of a certain Czech TV station reduces the possibility of choice for the consumer, which PMÚ does not perceive positively. At the same time, the PMU recommended telecommunication operators to consider other solutions than turning off the TV station. These conclusions open up the possibility of keeping popular Czech TV stations in Slovakia in some form.

In the dispute between televisions and operators, the TV viewer loses

Last year's call by JOJ and Markíza TVs to block international content broadcasted by Czech TV stations caused a wave of resentment and questions among their retransmitters - telecommunications operators, TV viewers and the general public. Czech compatriot and cultural associations also expressed concern about the situation. The Antimonopoly Office of the Slovak Republic reacted to the situation and started an investigation into a possible violation of Economic Competition Act.

Finally, the PMÚ stated that it did not detect a violation of the law and came to the conclusion that there is currently no reason to continue the investigation, but it will continue to monitor developments in this area and is ready to deal with the issue again if justified.

Slovak TV broadcasters cannot order operators to shut down Czech TV stations

The Telecommunications Union of the Slovak Republic already turned to the Council for Media Services (RpMS) last year, and in an informal discussion they came to the conclusion that currently no legal obligation or decision of a competent body prevents operators from broadcasting Czech television programs on the territory of the Slovak Republic. In its conclusions of the investigation, the PMÚ also stated that only the competent court can decide on a potential collision of licensing rights granted to Slovak broadcasters with licensing rights granted to certain titles broadcast on the affected Czech TV stations.

RpMS explained that until July 31, 2022, operators were obliged to provide retransmission of the program service only with the consent of its original broadcaster. In the currently valid law, which is effective from 1 August 2022, this obligation no longer exists. The Act on Media Services does not establish any authority for broadcasters (TV stations) that would allow them to order retransmission operators (telecommunications operators) the content of their program offer, i.e. which stations can or cannot broadcast.

A round table could contribute to clarifying attitudes, ambiguities and easing tensions

RpMS already declared last year that, if all relevant institutions and representatives of the affected entities are interested, it is willing to organize a round table and, if necessary, enter the process of solving the situation from the position of a mediator. TÚSR approached the Association of Cable Television Operators (APKT) and during informal communication they came to an agreement that organizing a round table would contribute to clarifying attitudes, ambiguities and easing tension. The round table has not yet taken place due to the lack of interest of the interested parties.