The programme broadcast before the presidential election scheduled for January was “strongly favouring one of the candidates. Photo: Hrad.cz
Prague, Dec 21 (CTK) – The private Czech Television Barrandov considerably favoured President Milos Zeman as a candidate in the upcoming presidential election in its Arena programme in December, the Council for Radio and Television Broadcasting (RRTV) said today.
Zeman’s spokesman Jiri Ovcacek was guest to the programme broadcast on December 5.
According to the media council, moderator Jaromir Soukup did not fulfil the role of a qualified opponent.
TV Barrandov must explain the format of the programme and how it is securing the observance of the principles of unbiased and balanced broadcasting within a 30-day deadline.
The programme broadcast before the presidential election scheduled for January was “strongly favouring one of the candidates, the incumbent President Milos Zeman,” the council said in a press release from its meeting held on Tuesday.
“There were no sharp verbal exchanges between the guest and the audience, which an annotation on the programme promised,” the council said.
On the contrary, the audience expressed support for Ovcacek and Zeman, it added.
Zeman, who succeeded in the first direct presidential election in the country five years ago, will be defending his post. According to polls, he is the election favourite. Another eight men will run for Czech president.
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