The billion-crown gift

One of the politicians who has grown the most in his job is Culture Minister Pavel Dostál. His early days weren't that impressive - and even his recent plan for a 3% tax for supporting Czech films is wacky - but his rise in popularity isn't due only to his cancer battle. He's a straight-talker, and voters like that. So when he criticizes the bill for banning advertising at Czech TV, there's bound to be something to it. But those pushing for the ban are kicking Dostál while he's down. Premier Jiří Paroubek made the wild suggestion yesterday on the BBC that the ban is needed because advertisers are influencing ČT's coverage. In reality, of course, it's the politicians who are buying good TV coverage with the ban. Tomáš Gatěk of Patria said the ban is a gift to TV Nova and adds at least $2/share to CME's value. The Senate still has a chance to say No to Nova. That'd be a nice get-well gift for Dostál.