René Zavoral

The possibility emerged during Thursday's meeting with Czech television director-general Hinek Hudárek, who said no agreement had been reached.

Czech Radio Director General René Zavoral, who was not invited, said the discussion of alternative models indicated that the government's proposal required further consideration.

He called for broader public and expert debate and stressed the importance of safeguarding the institutional and editorial independence of both broadcasters.

The Freedom and Direct Democracy Party still insists on abolishing license fees for public Czech television and Czech radio, but opposes replacing them with a special tax.