Czech broadcaster ČT has officially withdrawn from Eurovision Song Contest 2027.
Over the last month, Czech broadcaster ČT has faced financial limitations that have led to lay-offs and a reduction in programming. ČT has announced a spending reduction of around 350 million Koruna (around 14.3 million euros).
According to ČT Chief Executive Hynek Chudárek, leadership’s primary objective is safeguarding the broadcaster’s future amidst a shifting and potentially unstable funding landscape.
An official statement was released by the national broadcaster:
The Eurovision Song Contest is a large-scale project with significant programming, production and organisational demands. In view of the budget adjustments currently underway, Česká televize has decided not to take part in the 2027 contest.
The decision applies to the 2027 edition. We evaluate each edition of the contest separately, so we do not wish to speculate at this time on when Česká televize will rejoin the Eurovision Song Contest
According to this statement, ČT is open to returning to the contest in the future.
These financial tightening measures are impacting a wide range of services, including children’s programming and regional networks. This has sparked pushback from staff, culminating in high-profile demonstrations in June, when employees staged a walkout and formed a human chain in protest.
Financial hurdles are nothing new for the Czech network. It previously sat out the Eurovision competition from 2009 to 2015, pointing to financial constraints, declining viewership, and disappointing results at the time.
The EBU has released an official statement:
We regret that Česká televize will not be able to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027 because of the financial pressures they are facing. We completely understand that broadcasters are having to make difficult choices, and we recognize the severe challenges facing many of our members.
This decision reflects the broader financial pressure on public service media. Across our membership, broadcasters are working with constrained budgets and significant cuts, while costs rise and pressures mount. The Eurovision Song Contest is one part of that wider picture, and every broadcaster has to weigh its own priorities.
The EBU continues to work closely with its members to support public service media.
We very much hope that Česká televize will return to the contest when circumstances allow. They will always be welcome.
We are sad to see Czechia not joining the Eurovision 2027 family. Let’s hope to see the country back in the near future.
Daniel Zizka represented Czechia in Eurovision 2026.
He performed “Crossroads” and finished in 16th place in the final
Eurovision 2027 will be held in Burgas, Bulgaria on May 11th, 13th, 15th, 2027
