Jaromír soukup Plans media Comeback After TV⁤ Barrandov Exit

PRAGUE (AP) — Jaromír Soukup,⁣ a ⁢prominent figure in⁣ Czech media, is planning a new media venture after leaving TV‍ Barrandov, the television station he formerly owned and managed. Soukup, who hosted 11 programs⁢ and ‍even served as a television portrayal of⁢ the Czech Prime Minister, disappeared from television screens last year after entrepreneur Jan Čermák acquired a partial stake in his media empire.

soukup announced⁣ his plans for a new platform, stating, “It will be under my domain, it is my platform… A large part will be free, but something will be paid. The next step will be a TV licence for digital ⁢broadcasting – Free ⁣to Air.”

Soukup Aims for Bigger Impact Than Barrandov

TV Barrandov is currently undergoing significant changes under Čermák’s ownership. Čermák has stated his objective is to “heal” and stabilize the station. These diverging visions led to Soukup’s departure.

Čermák said last summer, “we agreed‍ like this. There is ⁣nothing personal. It is⁣ indeed simply necessary to make major changes in the program ‍and gain new viewers. We are aware that we will lose some of the existing ones, but we believe that those who come for new content will be more.”

Before his exit, Soukup expressed a desire to avoid creating political content for a station he considered to have “zero” journalistic performance. However, he intended to continue moderating and sought opportunities elsewhere,⁣ believing a separate⁢ station would ⁣allow him to stand ⁣out more effectively.

“My ‘brand’ is undoubtedly stronger than the ‘Barrandov’ brand,” Soukup said. “The performance of TV Barrandov is really poor and my place is not in this TV project.”

Soukup is betting⁤ on himself, stating, “I find it better. Of course, other people will be involved, but it will be the main face.” He plans to unveil the project’s title and⁣ details next week, promising “provocative content.”

“The ⁤primary interest will certainly ⁣be politics from all possible views – interviews and comments,” he added.Soukup has a history of commenting on Czech politics and current events, alongside hosting lighter entertainment formats.

His on-air conversations, notably his regular dialogues with former President Milos Zeman, were well-known. Though,⁣ thier relationship reportedly cooled following Soukup’s remarks about⁣ Martin Nejedlý, an advisor to Zeman. In 2022, Soukup commented on the situation, saying, “Who does not⁢ know, let me⁤ listen to me: Mr. Nejedlý is the President of the Republic, that’s how it is.”

The “Week with ⁤the President” segment subsequently ended.⁣ Jiří Ovčáček, Zeman’s⁣ former spokesman, stated that the format had “exhausted his potential and can no longer bring new impulses.” During Soukup’s tenure, TV barrandov also frequently featured politicians from the YES and SPD parties.

Soukup’s interest‍ in politics led him to announce the formation of his own political movement in 2019. “I want to ⁢actively enter the events, without excuses and empty speeches. I⁣ just give my face, my name, all,” he said at the ⁣time. However, the Jaromír Soukup movement failed to gain significant traction and was dissolved three years later.

Financial Troubles ‍and Insolvency

Beyond politics, Soukup has ⁢faced challenges in his business ventures. His companies have reportedly struggled with financial difficulties in recent years.

Empresa Media, which includes TV barrandov, reportedly faced hundreds of millions in debt. Čermák, the current owner, is now attempting to stabilize the company.

Other‍ companies owned or managed by Soukup,‍ such as Media Master and Médea, have also encountered problems. ⁢Médea, once a leading media agency,⁤ is currently in insolvency due to debts and undergoing reorganization.