Czech authorities named a well-known news anchor, Jiri Janecek, to head state-owned Czech Television, the primary backer of local-language films in the Czech Republic.

The appointment of Janecek is intended to bring stability to the public broadcaster, which has suffered in recent years from financial troubles and a high turnover in directors. Film producers have lamented the ongoing problems, seeing a tightening of funds earmarked for Czech film production as long as they continue. Along with the State Fund for Assistance and Development of Czech Cinematography, Czech Television is the only consistent backer of Czech films.

Czech Television is preparing for restructuring under Janecek, with the new director promising personnel changes and staff reductions.

Janecek says he wants a makeover of Czech Television's fusty image. "The station is 50 years old and I do not want it to become a rickety old lady that sits by the fire and knits socks. I want to turn it into young people who dance on tables, if I can use that visual comparison," he told Czech news agency CTK.