Monday, 1 February 2016 Rise of a stringer Issue 102 l newsstand price CZK 24/¤ 1 l www.e15.cz 1 0 2 How Robert Kallista’s RECkord 0

Outside Broadcasting proved 4 0 all its doubters wrong 45431 TOP STORY pages 8–9 771803

Print lives! 9 The magazine format was said to be in terminal decline, so how come it’s thriving? FeaTuRe pages 12–13 Prohibition payout for Becherovka Booze ban. Authorities responded to the poisoning crisis three years ago by taking the unprecedented step of barring all sales of spirits with an alcohol content of more than 20 percent. Here, Makro hypermarket employees in Ostrava close the liquor dept ČTK Photo:

The three-week clampdown on alcohol sales Dušan Kütner while investigators went after those responsible for adulterated alcohol that following the autumn 2012 methanol poisonings left ernod Ricard-owned Jan Be- caused several dozen deaths. According cher, the Karlovy Vary-based to available information, the granting of liquor producers counting losses in the hundreds of maker of the Becherovka her- the money makes Jan Becher the only millions of crowns. Despite initial declarations, none bal bitters, has picked up CZK compensated manufacturer. P96.5m in compensation. The financial However, the sum did not come by of the manufacturers ever demanded, or received, award is for damages suffered in rela- way of the state or a domestic commer- tion to the nationwide ban on sales of cial insurer. any compensation. Except one: Becherovka spirits introduced in September 2012 Continues on page 5

01-04-05 E15W 102.indd 1 1/29/2016 3:06:33 PM 2/3 news V4 migration summit called Matěj Stropnický: Meeting of prime ministers to address border protection Prepare for radical Greens foreign affairs On the road. Pavel Otto Marek Schwarzmann Migrants walk from the Macedonian border into Let’s lean more to the left-wing n extraordinary summit Serbia, near the village electorate and resign on poli- of the Visegrad Four of Miratovac cies targeted at urban liberals. A(V4) is to assemble in Such was the change of cour- the Czech Republic to tackle se announced by new Green the migration crisis. border line which Europe must Party leader Matěj Stropnický, The 15 February gathering guard is under consideration, who says he is giving up on the was announced on Twitter by according to him. Most often course pursued by previous prime minister Bohuslav Sobot- debated is a “back-up border leaders Martin Bursík and ka, who has been in talks on the system” running along a line Ondřej Liška. issue with Slovak counterpart from Bulgaria to Macedonia, Thirty-two-year-old Strop- Robert Fico. The Czech, Slovak, which would effectively elimi- nický defeated Prague 4 mayor Hungarian and Polish govern- nate Greece from the Schen- Petr Štěpánek to gain the lea- ment leaders are set to discuss gen Area. More northerly va- dership at the Greens’ party creating better defences around riants of such a border line do, congress. A deputy to Prague the passport-free Schengen however, exist. City Hall mayor Adriana Kr- Area of 26 EU nations. Three The interior ministers of náčová until just recently, he days after their meeting, an EU the V4 met during January in has a mandate to lead the Gre- summit on the huge wave of mi- the Czech Republic, which is ens for two years, meaning he gration will be held. currently chairing the four- will bear responsibility for the The last assembling of the nation grouping. In a joint party’s election results in both V4 government leaders took memorandum, they again the regional elections this year place in Prague at the begin- rejected legal quotas for the and the parliamentary contest

ning of last December. The Photo: ČTK redistribution of refugees and, next year. Stropnický aims to prime ministers then agreed as a priority, they called for the snatch voters from both the that all proposals for the crea- cealed attempts at limiting free about a modification of the said that Europe must have fulfilment of the commitment Social Democrats [ČSSD] and tion of a “mini-Schengen” were movement within the EU. Schengen space. Czech foreign a Plan B ready in case there is to launch functional detention ANO, the party that heads the unacceptable. They also spoke Representatives of the V4 affairs minister Lubomír Za- no success in reducing the flow centres along the EU’s exter- defence ministry through Stro- out against other direct or con- nations have lately spoken orálek (Social Democrat) has of migrants. The shifting of the nal borderline. pnický’s father Martin. The fresh leader of the party that enjoyed relative success in the 2014 local elections reite- rated that he is not, and has no Defence ministry desire to be, a centre-ground politician. “The Greens are a under ‘mortar fire’ radical party. We must replace Pavel Otto priced at CZK 60m – against estimates that they would cost Instead of promised support three times less – would be for domestic industry, quite introduced into the country’s the opposite. And, to rub it in, armaments. “Only on the basis the circumvention of the pu- of this decision will there be an blic procurement law using acquiring of ammunition throu- a NATO supply agency. Such gh an open tender, which Czech are the main objections addres- companies will be able to parti- sed to the defence ministry by cipate in,” the minister wrote. Czech producers of ammuni- It turned out, however, tion for 81-millimetre mortars. that Stropnický was working The manufacturers are after with erroneous information. a three-times postponed CZK A month before he sent his let- 150m contract, which has been ter, subordinates had turned made to measure for Spanish to the NATO supply agency, rival Expal. They insist that which subsequently addressed there is no need to buy such their request for an order of materials abroad. 16,000 rounds of ammunition Photo: ČTK Pardubice-based Explosia directly to Expal. Ministry’s move allays fears of bridge conspiracy and Poličské strojírny in Po- The defence ministry press The mayor of Prague 7 points to the lamentable state of Libeňský most (Libeň bridge) lička, in Pardubice region, tur- office stood up for the order. What a bore! from a boat on the Vltava river. City Hall has for a whole year been working on a repair ned to defence minister Martin The agency was apparently Viktorie, the biggest tunnel boring machine (TBM) in the Czech Republic, grinds its way programme – but critics suspect that it is actually preparing to announce the demolition Stropnický (ANO) in a bid to explicitly requested to also through what will be the first of a pair of four-kilometre tunnels near Ejpovice, a village of the bridge connecting Holešovice district on the left side with Libeň quarter on the right have the purchase from Expal, approach Czech firms to get in the Pilsen region. The construction of the biggest tunnel project on the Prague-Pilsen side. The culture ministry has, meanwhile, started the process to have the bridge listed mediated by Czech arms tra- the commission fulfilled. But, rail route will cost CZK 4bn. The transport ministry’s 2015 budget spend amounted to as a monument. While the decision on the listing is being taken, Prague’s city government ding firm Omnipol, stopped. He according to documents at the a record-breaking CZK 92bn. The greatest share of the funds was invested must treat it as if it already is a registered landmark responded that he would wait disposal of E15 daily, it did not in the rail network as it had the highest number of projects ready and waiting to see whether Expal mortars do so.

02-03 E15W 102.indd 2 1/29/2016 3:07:59 PM news

V4 migration summit called Matěj Stropnický: Igor Záruba’s notebook Meeting of prime ministers to address border protection Prepare for radical Greens On the road. Pavel Otto and to enter into government. Migrants walk from the The Green Party lost its last Macedonian border into Let’s lean more to the left-wing influence in government after Who’d be an optimist? Serbia, near the village electorate and resign on poli- the 2009 toppling of PM Mi- The World Bank has markedly Crude oil price has tumbled of Miratovac cies targeted at urban liberals. rek Topolánek’s cabinet after cut its global growth forecast. from June 2015’s USD 114/ Such was the change of cour- a ballot of no confidence was Norway’s DNB financial group barrel to today’s USD 30 – se announced by new Green held in parliament. fears failures in the interbank and rock bottom may prove border line which Europe must Party leader Matěj Stropnický, Stropnický beat Štěpánek loans system. Bank of Ame- much lower. OPEC is set to guard is under consideration, who says he is giving up on the in the first round of voting by rica Merrill Lynch warns that continue pumping more oil according to him. Most often course pursued by previous the small margin of 117 votes the climate has echoes of the to try and push rivals out of debated is a “back-up border leaders Martin Bursík and to 97 of the 222 votes available. mortgage crisis that sparked the game. But shale oil ex- system” running along a line Ondřej Liška. A minimum of 112 votes was the 2008 financial meltdown. tractors are ever busier, so from Bulgaria to Macedonia, Thirty-two-year-old Strop- required to win. The Greens’ And the reason behind all of the oil price may stay stub- which would effectively elimi- nický defeated Prague 4 mayor Prague leader Ondřej Mirov- this? The economic impact of bornly low. For the others, nate Greece from the Schen- Petr Štěpánek to gain the lea- ský summed up the differences falling oil prices. it’s tough luck. Picture this: gen Area. More northerly va- dership at the Greens’ party between the two national par- A flashing red light is no credit for borrowers, and riants of such a border line do, congress. A deputy to Prague ty contenders by stating that provided by the ABX index. lenders calling in their chips, however, exist. City Hall mayor Adriana Kr- Stropnický is unable to find It monitors securities’ expo- causing a wave of bankrupt- The interior ministers of náčová until just recently, he common ground with anyone sure to subprime mortgages. cies across the economy. the V4 met during January in has a mandate to lead the Gre- while Štěpánek is able to find Analysts see unnerving What a shame the World the Czech Republic, which is ens for two years, meaning he Photo: ČTK agreement with everyone. similarities between the Bank warning didn’t arrive currently chairing the four- will bear responsibility for the Close call. “[US President G But the Greens seem to 2007-09 ABX numbers with a prescription for nation grouping. In a joint party’s election results in both W] Bush and [Czech President] have opted for the more com- and the bursting of the oil avoiding this scenario. We memorandum, they again the regional elections this year Klaus also only just won their plicated path when it comes to bubble. US house prices col- might all sleep a little better, rejected legal quotas for the and the parliamentary contest mandates. Unlike either of finding agreements, given that lapsed by a third in the three or crack the whip in trying to redistribution of refugees and, next year. Stropnický aims to them, I did not cheat,” said the on the positive side they are crisis years, while the Brent avoid economic doom. as a priority, they called for the snatch voters from both the new Green Party leader after lured by Stropnický’s ability to fulfilment of the commitment Social Democrats [ČSSD] and the election result declaration attract attention as an assemb- to launch functional detention ANO, the party that heads the ly member at Prague City Hall centres along the EU’s exter- defence ministry through Stro- nonchalance with rekindled on the Three-party Coalition’s Daniel Novák’s notebook nal borderline. pnický’s father Martin. zeal. We must never again pur- ticket. Last year, Stropnický The fresh leader of the party sue green policies for the rich played a prominent part in the that enjoyed relative success in only. Our policies must be open disputes that broke out within the 2014 local elections reite- and accessible to everyone,” the City Hall ruling coalition rated that he is not, and has no Stropnický said. His main goal comprising of ANO, ČSSD and Defence ministry desire to be, a centre-ground is to see his party represented the Three-party Coalition. He Welcome to Kocourkov politician. “The Greens are a once more by MPs elected to was one factor in the coalition’s Municipal authorities in started to regret coming to under ‘mortar fire’ radical party. We must replace parliament’s lower chamber disintegration. Prague’s Horní Počernice the land of the fictitious and have decided they don’t farcical village of Kocourkov. priced at CZK 60m – against want an Amazon returned estimates that they would cost goods depot at an existing Prague’s Don Giovanni ho- three times less – would be storage complex. One might tel has changed hands. The introduced into the country’s understand the resistance if hotel, of course, is said by armaments. “Only on the basis the locality was a threatened many architects to represent of this decision will there be an nature reserve filled with the very worst building mon- acquiring of ammunition throu- rare flowers – but it isn’t. So strosity seen in the country in gh an open tender, which Czech why the opposition to having modern times. “To build this companies will be able to parti- Amazon there, when the 50 metres from Franz Kafka’s cipate in,” the minister wrote. firm’s footprint would be a grave [at the New Jewish It turned out, however, needle in the haystack at this Cemetery –Ed.]!” the late that Stropnický was working facility, and less than half architect Jan Kaplický appa- with erroneous information. the size of its new plant in rently exclaimed. Perhaps if A month before he sent his let- Prague’s Dobroviz? Following the new owner is patient, the ter, subordinates had turned a similar rejection fiasco critics’ cries will die down, to the NATO supply agency, in Brno, one wouldn’t be and the site will become an which subsequently addressed surprised if the Amazon folk iconic monument... their request for an order of 16,000 rounds of ammunition directly to Expal. The defence ministry press Photo: ČTK What a bore! E15 weekly, economic and business newsmagazine | www.e15.cz | office stood up for the order. Igor Záruba, Executive Editor, [email protected]; Marian Hronek, Editor, [email protected] | The agency was apparently Viktorie, the biggest tunnel boring machine (TBM) in the Czech Republic, grinds its way Contacts: Zuzana Faltová, Secretary | Call (+420) 225 276 461 | through what will be the first of a pair of four-kilometre tunnels near Ejpovice, a village Postal address: Mezi Vodami 1952/9, 143 00 Praha 4 – Modřany | explicitly requested to also Published by Mladá fronta a. s., Mezi Vodami 1952/9, 143 00 approach Czech firms to get in the Pilsen region. The construction of the biggest tunnel project on the Prague-Pilsen Praha 4 | David Hurta, Chief Executive Officer | Advertising: Lenka Benetková, the commission fulfilled. But, rail route will cost CZK 4bn. The transport ministry’s 2015 budget spend amounted to Sales Director, [email protected] | Production and distribution: Soňa Štarhová, according to documents at the a record-breaking CZK 92bn. The greatest share of the funds was invested Director, Call (+420) 225 276 252 | Marketing: Hana Holková, Director, Call (+420) 225 276 276 Registration E 21420 E15 weekly, ISSN: 1803-4543 | disposal of E15 daily, it did not in the rail network as it had the highest number of projects ready and waiting Reprints & Permissions: The Publisher will consider requests for reprints do so. or any other reproduction | Printed by: EuRoPRINT a. s.

02-03 E15W 102.indd 3 1/29/2016 3:08:12 PM 4/5 business Goldman snaps up hotels Prohibition payout for... Continued from page 1 Austrian group K+K sells its collection of 10 European hotels, including two in Prague “Indemnification was provi- real estate estate magnates, owned and Part ded by a commercial insurer Daniel Novák operated the hotels for more of the to Pernod Ricard,” Jan Becher than 50 years. It was the bro- package. CFO Alex Duncanson told E15 he European real es- thers Josef and Helmuth Koller The K+K daily. tate market has seen who were behind the begin- portfolio of The chief financial officer Ta big transaction that nings of the business back in hotels sold to refrained from providing any will impact on two Prague 1961. Gradually, they grew into the American further details about the insu- four-star hotels, Central and a European market player with buyers rance claim and indemnifica- Fenix. Both were part of the hotel assets in London, Paris, includes the tion, citing the confidentiality portfolio of 10 hotels operated Vienna, Prague, Barcelona, Bu- Art Nouveau of such information. It is the- under the brand K+K, which dapest and Bucharest, among Central, refore not known how much has been acquired from the other locations. a 127-room the company initially claimed Austria-based Koller family by All in all, the 10 hotels boast property found and what proportion of the American global investment 1,200 rooms. The Art Nouveau on Prague’s requested payout it actually bank Goldman Sachs and the Central in Prague’s Hybern- Hybernská received. Highgate Hotels company. The ská street offers 127 rooms, street An amount approaching price of the deal has not been similarly to the Fenix which CZK 100m corresponds with disclosed. But according to is located in Ve Smečkách, the dip in revenues suffered the information of E15 daily, a stone’s throw from Wence- by the liqueur maker in the it amounts to hundreds of mil- slas Square. 2012/2013 fiscal year that in- lions of euros. “This transaction perfectly cluded the prohibition period. “This transaction, along with highlights the current trend for Jan Becher posted revenues inquiries from other potential businesses with large portfoli- of CZK 1.21bn for 2012/2013, investors which we have ob- os and platforms,” said Chris- CZK 110m below the previous served lately, indicates raised toph Härle, CEO EMEA for fiscal year’s result. The ban on interest, particularly when it hotels and hospitality at the the sale of spirits containing comes to non-European inves- JLL financial and professio- more than 20 percent alcohol tors looking at the hospitality nal services consultancy firm. by volume impacted Jan Be- industry and making efforts New York City-headquarte- cher’s profits as well, causing to invest in premium tourist red Goldman Sachs, founded a 2012/2013 slump of almost destinations, among which in 1869, operates worldwide. CZK 70m to CZK 142m. Prague surely belongs,” said Its joint-venture partner, Ame- The government put the lawyer Libor Prokeš of the rican company Highgate Ho- ban in place in response to the Wolf Theiss law firm, which tels, is a significant player in then growing number of deaths participated in the transacti- the hotel industry, particularly

on. The Kollers, known as real in the US. Photo: Profimedia.cz

Home Credit jumps into startups Marek Schwarzmann the rug from underneath our feet,” David Bystrzycki, CEO Consumer loan provider Home of Home Credit in the Czech Credit says it is plunging head Republic, told E15 daily in an first into startup projects and interview. the testing out of new business Among the latest innovati- models. The strategy involves ons, the Vox Populi remote cus- a cooperation with startup tomer service video terminals support consultancy Creative are said to function quite well Dock, with several joint pro- while a few other technologies jects now created outside the have also attracted attention, standard structures of Home such as Kup Najisto [Buy with Credit. The loan provider has Confidence], a ‘middleman’ been pushed into pursuing the between e-shops and custo- Photo: ČTK new approach by fiercer com- mers that offers buyers the Plum assignment petition on the loans market chance to try out products A record plum harvest has been recorded by the orchards of liqueur maker Rudolf Jelínek, linked to an abundance of che- before purchasing them. The based in the Moravian Zlín region. The orchards in the Na Těchlově locality have yielded ap money and the emergence peer2peer money lending ser- Zbuzany awaits its new horizon 515 tonnes of fruit. The company plans to continue expanding the acreage of its orchards of new technologies. “Every vice Zonky and the short-term Geosan Development is to this summer break ground on a major housing project. this year. It is aiming to eventually grow enough plums to satisfy a full third of its fruit day we must deal with the loan service Japonská půjčka Ten apartment buildings boasting a total of 268 flats are to be constructed in Zbuzany, consumption from its own resources. The majority of fruit processed by the liqueur maker, possibility of someone sitting [Japanese Loan] are other rela- a village on the southwestern outskirts of Prague (a project visualisation is pictured). amounting to five thousand tonnes a year – most of which is plums – comes from external in their garage and coming tive hits. Each of the projects is The overall projected cost of the investment is around CZK 700m, the firm said. suppliers. Pictured is a still used to distill fruit into spirits up with a way of making loans a business enterprise no older The development will account for a rather large share of the locality’s housing stock easier to access, thus pulling than one or two years.

01-04-05 E15W 102.indd 4 1/29/2016 3:06:50 PM business

Goldman snaps up hotels Prohibition payout for... up and down Continued from page 1 Austrian group K+K sells its collection of 10 European hotels, including two in Prague “Indemnification was provi- Luděk Kostka Part ded by a commercial insurer Managing director, Geosan of the to Pernod Ricard,” Jan Becher package. CFO Alex Duncanson told E15 The group intends to “sensitively” construct The K+K daily. 10 buildings with 268 flats in Zbuzany, portfolio of The chief financial officer a village on Prague’s southwestern outskirts. hotels sold to refrained from providing any Costed at CZK 700m, the project is drawing the American further details about the insu- on a UniCredit Bank loan. buyers rance claim and indemnifica- includes the tion, citing the confidentiality Art Nouveau of such information. It is the-

Central, refore not known how much Photo: ČTK Marc Beuve-Mery a 127-room the company initially claimed Can’t be too careful. Managing director, Jan Becher – property found and what proportion of the In September 2012, health officials and police were scrutinising Karlovarská Becherovka on Prague’s requested payout it actually liquor products in stores up and down the country Hybernská received. The liqueur maker has become the only street An amount approaching caused by alcoholic beverages cussion conducted within the producer to be compensated for losses CZK 100m corresponds with made with extreme volumes of Union of Liquor Manufactu- caused by the alcohol prohibition introdu- the dip in revenues suffered toxic methanol as a substitute rers and Importers [UVDL], ced after the 2012 methanol poisonings. by the liqueur maker in the product. More than 50 people a legal analysis, and a discus- But the recompense is not from the state. 2012/2013 fiscal year that in- died, while others went blind sion with the finance minist- An insurer of parent group Pernod Ricard cluded the prohibition period. or suffered other permanent ry, we decided to refrain from has paid up. Jan Becher posted revenues ill-effects. The key players in claiming compensation,” said of CZK 1.21bn for 2012/2013, the affair subsequently faced Pavel Dvořáček, chairman of CZK 110m below the previous trial. the board at Vizovice-based al- fiscal year’s result. The ban on Several countries, including coholic drinks maker Jelínek. Dmitry Medvedev the sale of spirits containing Slovakia, Poland and Russia, The liquor makers were also Russian prime minister more than 20 percent alcohol banned imports of Czech li- unable to claim indemnificati- by volume impacted Jan Be- quor for several months, affe- on from commercial insurers Russia could this year spend up to 475 billion cher’s profits as well, causing cting producers throughout in the Czech Republic. “Our roubles (EUR 5.7bn) on supporting its eco- a 2012/2013 slump of almost the Czech Republic. Although policy did not cover such an nomy and curbing the consequences of the CZK 70m to CZK 142m. they initially contemplated de- eventuality,” said Pavel Kadlec, country’s economic crisis. Given the anxiety The government put the manding compensation from director of Granette-Starorež- over the declining state cash reserves, it is ban in place in response to the the state, none actually went ná Prostějov, offering his firm only a fifth more than last year. then growing number of deaths as far as that. “Based on a dis- as an example.

Dan Ťok Transport minister

He is trying to persuade Brussels to grant Home Credit jumps exceptional permission for 64 transport con- struction projects. Several-year delays loom into startups because of fresh EU environmental impact demands. The accessing of European funds the rug from underneath our could be hindered. feet,” David Bystrzycki, CEO of Home Credit in the Czech Republic, told E15 daily in an interview. Daniel Adamka Among the latest innovati- CEO, Arriva Transport CR ons, the Vox Populi remote cus- tomer service video terminals The railway carrier wants its trains to are said to function quite well only stop at ‘important’ stations on the while a few other technologies Prague–Benešov route. That would make have also attracted attention, it faster than Czech Railways. And without such as Kup Najisto [Buy with subsidies! Confidence], a ‘middleman’ between e-shops and custo- mers that offers buyers the chance to try out products Tomáš Budník before purchasing them. The Visualisation: geosan development CEO, O2 peer2peer money lending ser- Zbuzany awaits its new horizon vice Zonky and the short-term Geosan Development is to this summer break ground on a major housing project. The telecoms provider last year saw its net loan service Japonská půjčka Ten apartment buildings boasting a total of 268 flats are to be constructed in Zbuzany, profit swing to CZK 5.1bn, up 45 percent year [Japanese Loan] are other rela- a village on the southwestern outskirts of Prague (a project visualisation is pictured). on year. The company boss attributed the tive hits. Each of the projects is The overall projected cost of the investment is around CZK 700m, the firm said. success to a radical organisational overhaul. a business enterprise no older The development will account for a rather large share of the locality’s housing stock than one or two years.

01-04-05 E15W 102.indd 5 1/29/2016 3:07:01 PM 6/7 opinion

But we’re for the people! Jana Havligerová’s political diary City relieved by UK Finance minister Babiš evidently does not know interest rate decision Wrist slap for Babiš, Unlike the US Fed, the Bank of England the difference remains bearish on the prospect of a rise between state prattle from Bakala The propagandist ANO plan for the family. It wasn’t and public funds party managed to turn easy, given that the family on its own leader via its operates in the Czech Facebook page. “Andrej Republic, Switzerland, the Michal Babiš is the most popular US and South Africa: “But if Zámečník politician in the country, I didn’t enjoy it, I wouldn’t but he still has some do it.” Given Mr. Bakala’s shortcomings. For example role in their demise, one Bank of England governor his old-fashioned hairstyle, might wonder how those Mark Carney last week reaf- Photo: ČTK or poor grasp of Czech.” grumbling OKD miners firmed his position that the What else can you say to in Ostrava would react to UK base interest rate should ly wanting,” said TOP 09 MP its balance sheet with assets it that but “Ano”! These are that... Michal Kučera. does not own. Moreover, who’d clearly the only two failings Adéla But such arguments appear willingly give up the sense of of the otherwise perfect At the party’s annual Čabanová lost on Babiš. It’s as if certain managing one’s own financial finance minister. conference, Matěj Czech language nuances re- affairs? Stropnický, new chairman main alien to this Slovak poli- From an accountant’s point Not to be outdone of the Greens, tried to pposition MPs have tician. Outlining his proposals, of view, it may appear that shif- in the self-lauding fat explain why he voted for been derisively sug- Babiš emphasized that the ins- ting the accounts to the central cat newspaper owner Miloš Zeman in the last Ogesting that finance urers would keep control of bank will deliver savings. Esti- stakes, a Hospodářské presidential election. minister Andrej Babiš doesn’t the funds, and that it was all mates suggest the planned ex- noviny section – given Why? Because, he said, he quite understand the state merely a question of financial pansion of institutions forced a name which translates rejects all politicians and remain unchanged. Speaking purse as well as he should. The pragmatism. “We wish to re- to hold accounts there would as “Dill sauce please” policies which target the to parliament’s treasury select ANO leader wants to shift the place commercial banks with save hundreds of millions of – recently heard from weakest in society. But committee, Carney said that accounts of public insurers a state one. Our bank. After crowns annually. Along with Michaela Bakala, wife Zeman, too, has failed in the US Federal Reserve’s de- – which have a similar status all, we are here for the people, the health insurers, other pu- of Zdeněk Bakala, the the role of a statesman, cision to edge up interest rates to public firms – to under the aren’t we? We all profit from blic bodies too are caught up owner of publisher added Stropnický. And so last month had “made a contri- treasury’s purview. The sur- that,” he angrily stated. in his, such as the clearly upset Economia (responsible for the Greens must set about bution” to the renewed market pluses would no doubt make Those who’ll be directly af- Railway Infrastructure Admi- Hospodářské noviny). In finding someone to defeat turmoil seen in recent weeks, the Czech budget look a little fected by the switch, i.e. the nistration. But the adage still the article, Mrs. Bakala the president in the next but he also asserted that it was better and help to finance the insurance firm representati- holds: the state purse should discloses how she has election. How old will the not the fundamental cause. national debt. But for the heal- ves, do not view the shift to the not hold public service sector formulated a six-month young Stropnický be by th insurers, the change would state purse as mere accounting funds. business, travel and social 2018? Still only 35. incur extra expenses of tens of and financial pragmatism. In Whether the public service millions of crowns for informa- fact most MPs familiar with healthcare principle is worth tion campaigns about the new the import of such a change trampling on in the name of joke Rare cold snap bewilders East Asia The ANO leader wants to shift Excitable meteorologists talked the accounts of public insurers – which of a ‘polar vortex’. But those chilled have a similar status to public firms to the bone across swathes of East Asia – to under state purse control last week didn’t particularly care what it was called, they just prayed for it to end system. More crucially, they – meaning those on the par- the savings is something MPs would lose control over their liamentary health committee are likely to decide in February. own finances. – have voiced the insurers’ The potential success of the Opponents to the plan have concerns. change, carrying clear echoes thus been talking up the auto- The problem is that legisla- of the 1948 putsch, even drew nomy of publicly run bodies tion gives the finance ministry words of praise from commu- Oliver and the risks of de facto nati- the right to influence payment nist MP Soňa Marková. She Steindler onalisation and mixing up the deadlines and payment scopes gave a public round of applause public and state sector roles. in relation to public bodies’ to Babiš, perceiving a move that “I would recommend the mi- bank accounts. Which some would restrict the plurality of Thermometers in Inner Mon- nister verify for himself the MPs find unacceptable. They health insurance firms. “If this gola at one point were showing differences between public propose this power be surren- law passes, we can have one a terrifying -46.8 degrees Cel- and state funds, and who has dered in the case of health ins- insurer here. The KSČM has sius (-52 degrees Fahrenheit). the respective administrative urer accounts. But also unac- had this in its manifesto since Over in Hong Kong, inhabitants purviews. I believe that right ceptable to critics is the sight 2005,” she said. Of course, her were contending with their col- now such information is sore- of the Czech state improving party is “for the people” too. dest weather since 1957 at 4C,

06-07 E15W 102.indd 6 1/29/2016 3:09:25 PM opinion City relieved by UK interest rate decision Unlike the US Fed, the Bank of England remains bearish on the prospect of a rise

“The cause of the events did going falls in the oil price; and not originate in Washington,” nervousness about potential Michal he stated. The rate decision volatility and more restrictive Zámečník met with praise across Lon- financial conditions that might don’s Square Mile, where finan- stem from the American mone- cial people had worried about tary policy tightening. Bank of England governor the impact of a hurried rate China received particular Mark Carney last week reaf- rise. Unlike his US counterpart mention in Carney’s speech. He firmed his position that the Janet Yellen, Carney reiterated noted that “risks are shifting UK base interest rate should the need for caution. from advanced to emerging

The rate decision met with praise across London’s Square Mile, where financial people had worried about the impact of

a hurried rate rise Photo: Reuters

remain unchanged. Speaking The turmoil referred to by economies”, with the “build-up to be addressed with outlandish reinforcing Carney’s view that to parliament’s treasury select Carney has been profound. of debt, principally private debt” concepts such as highly nega- now is not the time for the UK committee, Carney said that Global equity markets have en- in China and other emerging tive interest rates (Japan went to follow the US in reaching for the US Federal Reserve’s de- dured a hammering, experienci- markets, the primary concern. negative last Friday, surprising the monetary taps. Indeed, at cision to edge up interest rates ng their worst start to a year on However, the room for central markets) and money ‘dumped by a time of ultra-low inflation, last month had “made a contri- record. Markets, including the bank policy response is limited helicopter’ into economies. fiscal tightening and global bution” to the renewed market British FTSE100, have strug- by conventional standards (all With such an outlook, only market turbulence, monetary turmoil seen in recent weeks, gled to cope with ongoing angst the usual ‘ammunition’ is just guarded optimism about the inactivity seems the right po- but he also asserted that it was over the slowdown in emerging about used up, say observers) and world economy’s immediate licy. It worked last year, and it not the fundamental cause. markets, particularly China; on- a next financial crisis might have future is sensible. Events are would likely work now, too. Rare cold snap bewilders East Asia Excitable meteorologists talked of Okinawa saw sleet for the resorts in China and their num- first time ever, and around ber is sharply growing. Many of a ‘polar vortex’. But those chilled 100 Japanese were injured of those fond of winter sports in snowstorms. On the South were already heading to the to the bone across swathes of East Asia Korean island of Jeju – cele- slopes, enthused by the choice brated for its balmy climate of China for the 2022 Winter last week didn’t particularly care what it and beaches – a temperature Olympics. It will take place in was called, they just prayed for it to end of -6C caused the cancellation Hebei province, close to Bei- of more than 500 domestic and jing, where there are already international flights, stranding numerous ski parks pleasing tourists. customers. A day ticket at a ski and the Chinese city of Guan- Northern parts of Asia are resort such as Wanlong, with gzhou, noted for its all-year- generally well prepared for 22 kilometres of trails, costs

Oliver round warmth and humidity Photo: Reuters a harsh winter with heating the equivalent of about 137 Steindler (until now), witnessed snow for systems, but Beijingers were euro. Entrepreneurs at resorts the first time since 1967. of those deaths were in Taiwan still left reeling by a highly around the Changbai mountain Fortunately, the bitterly cold where homes typically don’t unseasonal -17C. However, range, which straddles the Chi- Thermometers in Inner Mon- snap – caused by a large mass have central heating. Elderly organisers of the renowned nese and North Korean bor- gola at one point were showing of air that moved south into people experienced heart and Harbin International Ice and der, have also done well amid a terrifying -46.8 degrees Cel- East Asia from the Arctic – breathing problems, with their Snow Sculpture Festival could the icy weather – but tourists sius (-52 degrees Fahrenheit). only glanced through. But that bodies unable to deal with the hardly complain about the chil- may beware of anxieties that Over in Hong Kong, inhabitants wasn’t much consolation to the dramatic drop in the mercury. ly “bonus”. a North Korean nuclear test were contending with their col- many people who lost their lives. Japanese media reported Not so well known is the fact could set off the Mount Paektu dest weather since 1957 at 4C, According to the BBC, at least 85 that Japan’s southern island that there are around 57 ski volcano.

06-07 E15W 102.indd 7 1/29/2016 3:09:37 PM 8/9 top story On top of the world obert Kallista Petr Horký began as The story of Robert Kallista somewhat mirrors that told in the 2014 American a journeyman noir thriller Nightcrawler. The mo- R vie follows a freelance reporter, who with a video camera. procures a small van and cheap video camera, and spends his nights staking Today he owns the out the city of Los Angeles. He films largest outside everything: crashes, fires, and murder scenes. The juicy shots are then sold to broadcasting company TV stations. Nightcrawler ends with the lead character establishing a prospe- in the Czech Republic ring firm, and able to buy some better equipment – in today’s cynical world, and Slovakia footage of suffering is a highly-sought commodity. But unlike the somewhat sociopathic character portrayed by actor Jake Gyllenhaal, Kallista comes across as far more well-rounded.

Nor is his native Chomutov region I encountered all kinds of genres, from anything like California. Indeed, one folk, to big beat, to heavy metal.” would hardly expect that a company which helps enable live transmissions of High school dreamer Champions League football and NHL As soon as Kallista concluded that re- matches, or even concerts by Czech cording bands was not going to earn rock group Kabát, operates out of him a sufficient living, he tried to utilise a small northern Bohemian town like his studio for the art of dubbing. But Chomutov. Kallista’s office suggests while Prague’s top studios could dub that the entrepreneur has already a film over a weekend, it ended up ta- adopted the traits and decor of a suc- king Kallista weeks. So that was another cessful executive – framed pictures dead end. Finally, Kallista turned to of airplanes hang on the walls, while news reportage. a small wooden box is filled with cigars. “I placed some ads in the papers, and Round trip to the “Piloting aircraft and smoking cigars, people came in from the streets, and Czech Republic. those are my two hobbies,” laughs the became my reporters. We had cameras At first no-one round-faced Kallista. and a network of newshounds in place. 15 people. So I travelled there to film at home was Previously the head of RECkord Out- All kinds of events were filmed, from for four days.” interested in side Broadcasting wanted to be a music crashes to fires, right through to those Along with a number of fellow repor- RECkord. Only producer. While a teenager, Kallista even cute puppy videos you find at the end of ters, Kallista formed a local network by proving itself set about building a recording studio. the news. Or even the first snowfall of selling stories to TV stations, mainly abroad did it open On the day of his 18th birthday, the en- winter. Someone would call in at 2 am, commercial channels Nova and Prima – up opportunities trepreneur registered himself as a self- and off we’d go.” Kallista’s reporters but sometimes also to public broadcas- with Czech TV employed person, dreaming of recording set about crisscrossing the northern ter Czech Television [ČT]. Indeed, some stations, mainly for smash hit songs. “We recorded albums, and western areas of Ústí nad Labem reporters working at Nova today once sports broadcasts and produced CDs,” recalls Kallista. “But and Karlovy Vary, sometimes even hop- served in Kallista’s guerilla network as I soon realised this was no way for me to ping over the Ore Mountains [Krušné north Bohemia reporters. make a living. Bands would come for the hory] into neighbouring Germany. “For Around 2006, the emergence of new archive weekend and think we could make an example, once some nutcase in Erfurt TV channels such as Galaxie and ČT 4

Photos: album with the sound quality of Metallica. entered a high school and shot around Sport brought fresh demand for live

08-09 E15W 102.indd 8 1/29/2016 3:10:38 PM top story

Tough times. Robert Kallista built from scratch what is today’s number one Czech outside broadcasting technology firm. But now, other competitors are appearing on the horizon, mainly O2

tup. “They would ask us how we could nels begin showing Chalupáři [a 1975 possibly cover a live event in Brno if we summer holiday TV series]. That’s when were from Chomutov. ‘We’d do the same we carry out maintenance.” as a Prague firm that gets a flat tire,’ I re- plied. ‘Change the tire and carry on.’” TV Automatic Champions stations usually utilised in-house trans- League choice mission facilities, or hired the established On the horizon, as we spoke, was the Prague-based firm ACE, which had four securing of the transmission of a [since broadcast vehicles at its disposal. broadcast] interview with Czech pre- “So no-one wanted us,” continues sident Miloš Zeman. Add to that the Kallista. “We had a van whose cost I was European ice-skating championships paying down, and it was impossible to in Slovakia and a philharmonic concert find work in the Czech Republic. We in Berlin. “The way it works is that they looked around neighbouring countries choose us. There are relatively few cli- and found out that viable possibilities ents across Europe. The same is true for existed there. We always tried calling companies such as ours. There are three up TV stations. They would then tell similar firms in central Europe. Perhaps us they didn’t need us. On the third 10 in Germany. I think one in Austria. attempt, however, they at least gave Across Europe: 25 firms.” Today, the our vehicle a look. Then they tried us Chomutov-based RECkord boasts an out. Building relationships took a long annual turnover of around CZK 60m, time. In Germany, Kallista’s RECkord as well as some impressive references. helped transmit lower-level football and Whenever Champions League matches hockey matches. It has also operated in are held in the Czech Republic, it gains Austria and Poland. the outside broadcast. And when the Ultimately, a path via Slovakia led NHL preliminaries were played in the back to the Czech Republic, with Kal- Czech Republic, once gain RECkord lista’s firm transformed into a seasoned was contracted. Such events require and experienced outfit. And one ready up to 20 cameras, which Kallista says to do fresh battle with the leader in the other Czech companies are simply una- field, namely ACE. The competition ble to handle. The firm has also had its began to panic about the new boy on fair share of quirky bookings: over the the bloc. It began offering its services summer it covered orienteering races at dumping prices only to bring REC- in Scotland. Both the broadcast van and Hynek Glos kord to its knees. Ultimately, ACE reps tens of kilometres of cable had to be

Photo: offered Kallista a chance to swallow hidden in the forest, so as to not tip off the bigger fish. And so the Chomutov- the “lost in the wild” competitors that I encountered all kinds of genres, from based entrepreneur did just that, thus they were nearing the finish. folk, to big beat, to heavy metal.” Over the summer RECkord becoming number one in the Czech and RECkord has been able to operate in Slovak outdoor broadcast business. the Czech Republic essentially without High school dreamer covered orienteering races in Today an expansive garage conta- competition. But that is slowly changing. As soon as Kallista concluded that re- Scotland. Both the broadcast van ins the firm’s fleet of seven broadcast Technical equipment is cheap, and most cording bands was not going to earn trucks, with two boasting mounted people today can afford video equip- him a sufficient living, he tried to utilise and tens of kilometres of cable satellite dishes. The largest of these ment to take shots from their car. For his studio for the art of dubbing. But is worth more than CZK 100m, and the internet, such budget-level quality is while Prague’s top studios could dub had to be hidden in the forest, the whole lot has a net worth of more sufficient, but small competitors along a film over a weekend, it ended up ta- than half a billion crowns. Naturally, all these lines are hardly seen as high-qua- king Kallista weeks. So that was another so as to not tip off the ‘lost in the are custom-built, utilising skills other- lity competition by Kallista. Bigger fish dead end. Finally, Kallista turned to wise lacking in the Czech Republic. are, however, also appearing. news reportage. wild’ competitors that they were “The most precious commodity is the “Over the summer O2 came to me of- “I placed some ads in the papers, and know-how associated with such a ve- fering to buy our firm. But what I really people came in from the streets, and nearing the finish hicle. Knowing how to outfit it so that think they were after was acquiring our became my reporters. We had cameras it can operate even in extreme condi- know-how. They chiefly wanted to disco- and a network of newshounds in place. 15 people. So I travelled there to film transmission capabilities, especially for tions. To stay warm in winter and cool ver all of our customers and to see our All kinds of events were filmed, from for four days.” sports. And so Kallista, a man always in the summer. And to design it in such books. They didn’t even name a price. crashes to fires, right through to those Along with a number of fellow repor- more enthralled by the technical side of a way that 25 people are able to work They want to build a flotilla for their new cute puppy videos you find at the end of ters, Kallista formed a local network production, made the decision to end his inside at a moment’s notice,” explains sports TV service. They will evidently vie the news. Or even the first snowfall of selling stories to TV stations, mainly news-gathering efforts. “After a while, Kallista during a look at one such ve- for customers across Europe. We shall winter. Someone would call in at 2 am, commercial channels Nova and Prima – it just ended up being about corpses hicle. Inside, these vehicles resemble see how they do. They want to compete and off we’d go.” Kallista’s reporters but sometimes also to public broadcas- on the one hand and cute animals on the cockpits of spaceships. The start of with us. I have gained respect. They have set about crisscrossing the northern ter Czech Television [ČT]. Indeed, some the other.” Instead, the entrepreneur January, when we visited RECkord, is huge capital,” says Kallista. and western areas of Ústí nad Labem reporters working at Nova today once spent CZK 10m putting together his first maintenance time and all the vans were But the northern Bohemian entre- and Karlovy Vary, sometimes even hop- served in Kallista’s guerilla network as professional outside broadcasting truck. back at their home base. “Our work preneur says he is confident about ping over the Ore Mountains [Krušné north Bohemia reporters. And then he crossed his fingers... is somewhat seasonal. In December, the future. Partly because he built up hory] into neighbouring Germany. “For Around 2006, the emergence of new But the orders failed to materialise. live transmissions end and TV begins his business from scratch. From car example, once some nutcase in Erfurt TV channels such as Galaxie and ČT 4 Many TV stations looked down their showing Mrazík [an old Soviet seasonal crashes all the way to the Champions entered a high school and shot around Sport brought fresh demand for live noses at this northern Bohemian star- fairytale]; and again in July, when chan- League...

08-09 E15W 102.indd 9 1/29/2016 3:10:45 PM 10/11 face to face

ormer foreign minister Jan FKohout is the founder of the Institut nové hedvábné stezky – or the New Silk Road Institute. He has already convened its first seminar on Czech-Chinese cooperation. But missing at this meeting were members of the influential Smíšená česko čínská komora [the Joint Czech-China Chamber of Commerce] headed by fellow ex- government minister and associate Jaroslav Tvrdík. “Each person addresses the issue of China from a different angle. We have no ambition to tell Czech

firms with whom they should cooperate Which is why he can bring many incen- on the Chinese side, or to organise visits tives and contacts to the table. and delegations,” explains Kohout, currently Do you have some kind of stable part- ner on the Chinese side? serving as advisor to President Zeman on We are hooked up to a network of think tanks spanning 16 central and eastern Chinese matters European countries and Chinese re- search institutes. On the Chinese side, for example, we cooperate with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, or offers up dimensions spanning cultural their Institute for European Studies. and educational activities; it will incor- Jan Kohout porate cooperation between universi- Who will finance the work of the insti- ties and scientific workplaces, and the tute? sphere of modern technology. So it isn’t We won’t be financing projects. These just about representing Chinese firms are projects that will come under the in the Czech Republic and Czech firms resources offered by two new financial in China. It is also about cooperating in institutions – the Silk Road Fund and third-party markets, primarily in Cen- the Asian Infrastructure and Invest- tral Asia. Right now, things are not yet ment Bank. seen in this way in our country. a diplomat Where does the Czech Republic fit in How are you structured? within the overall New Silk Road con- Our managing board comprises many cept? members with the appropriate backg- If you look at all the large infrastructure rounds. The role of the institute – and projects set to be built [in China], then on a silken road it is not a huge role – is in coordinating you see that the Czech Republic is lar- and utilising those capacities available gely absent. Nor are we even founding Jan Stuchlík asian framework; not to be confused but also regarding relations with other via our members. members of the AIIB. Which is why as with the similar US-formulated New Asian countries. The aim is not the a first step we should seek to become Several associations, chambers and Silk Road Initiative for transit areas direct support of business relations, Former PM Petr Nečas also figures in a member. Then we should define in- companies focused on China already across Europe and East Asia –Ed.]. but the seeking out of opportunities the institute. frastructure or energy projects which operate in the Czech Republic. How They view this as a long-term global and issues in which the Czech Republic He was one of the first [politicians] in the are worthy of either our attention, or does your New Silk Road Institute dif- strategy, which will deliver many op- should partake. country to clearly state that better rela- the attention of third-party countries. fer? portunities for all countries that take tions with China were desirable. He also And then we should help find partners The main reason for establishing the part. The Czech Republic should also What specific form does such an endea- has experience in the energy and tech- and financing for such projects. institute was the Chinese initiative to grab this opportunity. The aim of the vour take? nology spheres. During the time that create a New Silk Road [also known institute is to expound the idea of this The entire New Silk Road Institute is he was premier [2010-13], these spheres How do you want to persuade the go- as China’s One Belt, One Road Eur- silk road, not just with regards to China, not yet familiar to the wider public. It underwent considerable development. vernment to re-evaluate its current

10-11 E15W 102.indd 10 1/29/2016 3:12:05 PM face to face

Jan Kohout (54) From 2002-04 and again in 2008-09, served as assistant to the Czech foreign minister. Also twice ended up serving as foreign minister – the first time in 2009, during the caretaker government of Jan Fischer, and again in 2013 during the caretaker government of Jiří Rusnok. From 2004-08 served as the Czech Republic’s permanent representative on EU affairs. In 2011, helped to build the Joint Czech-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, for which he served as president. Kohout left the organisation after two years. Since 2014 he has served as an advisor to president Miloš Zeman on Chinese matters.

merce, given that you headed this or- ganisation during its first two years of existence? We are a non-profit organisation. We have no ambition to put together pro- jects and profit from them, like certain chambers. We want to give advice on Michael Tomeš the kind of direction to go, and activi-

Photos: ties to undertake. Those that actually set out on these business endeavours Which is why he can bring many incen- should not include us. tives and contacts to the table. We want to give advice on the kind There is a question as to whom the go- Do you have some kind of stable part- of direction to go, and activities to vernment and president will heed more ner on the Chinese side? – Jan Kohout, or Jaroslav Tvrdík [presi- We are hooked up to a network of think undertake. Those that actually set dent of the Joint Czech-China Chamber tanks spanning 16 central and eastern out on these business endeavours of Commerce]. European countries and Chinese re- Everyone approaches this issue from search institutes. On the Chinese side, should not include us. a different angle. Our activities mutu- for example, we cooperate with the ally supplement each other. We have Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, or no ambition to be telling Czech firms offers up dimensions spanning cultural their Institute for European Studies. view that membership of the AIIB is be given to supporting Czech firms and with whom they should cooperate on and educational activities; it will incor- not in its interests? research institutions as they seek to the Chinese side, or to organise visits porate cooperation between universi- Who will finance the work of the insti- If neighbouring countries, such as Aus- operate within the Chinese market. and delegations. For that there is the ties and scientific workplaces, and the tute? tria, or small countries such as Luxem- Czech-China Chamber and other similar sphere of modern technology. So it isn’t We won’t be financing projects. These bourg, or larger European countries, Presently, the approach of the Czech institutions. We want to seek out fields in just about representing Chinese firms are projects that will come under the are all experiencing the benefits of government towards China, along with which it makes sense to invest energies. in the Czech Republic and Czech firms resources offered by two new financial membership, then I don’t see a reason overall levels of investment, can be Whether business is subsequently con- in China. It is also about cooperating in institutions – the Silk Road Fund and why a technologically advanced coun- described as somewhat chaotic. Does ducted via the Confederation of Industry third-party markets, primarily in Cen- the Asian Infrastructure and Invest- try like the Czech Republic can also some kind of targeted strategy exist, of the Czech Republic, the Chamber tral Asia. Right now, things are not yet ment Bank. not see the benefits. We want to put according to which both the govern- of Commerce, the Joint Czech-China seen in this way in our country. pressure on the government to re-as- ment and president operate? Chamber of Commerce, or someone Where does the Czech Republic fit in sess its current position. Presently, no long-term strategy exists. else plays no role in our concept. How are you structured? within the overall New Silk Road con- Right now, the main issue is to norma- Our managing board comprises many cept? You also serve as President Zeman’s lise fundamental relations with Chi- Why did you leave the Joint Czech-Chi- members with the appropriate backg- If you look at all the large infrastructure advisor on Chinese matters. What co- na and to start to find opportunities na Chamber of Commerce after two ye- rounds. The role of the institute – and projects set to be built [in China], then ordination exists between the presi- for both sides. And it is the New Silk ars there? it is not a huge role – is in coordinating you see that the Czech Republic is lar- dent’s activities and those of the go- Road precisely that could enable our You can’t have two strong personalities and utilising those capacities available gely absent. Nor are we even founding vernment with regards to China? efforts to take on a more strategic form. at the head of one chamber. In compa- via our members. members of the AIIB. Which is why as There are no contradictions between By comparing interest levels across nies, too, it happens that two partners a first step we should seek to become the two. Similarly to the government, various fields with our own potential get a project up and running, but after Former PM Petr Nečas also figures in a member. Then we should define in- the president is also interested in the we can formulate a strategy outlining a time they start to disagree over the the institute. frastructure or energy projects which Czech Republic becoming a place whe- where we should increase our efforts, future strategic course. I have very fond He was one of the first [politicians] in the are worthy of either our attention, or re investment flows from China. And at and where, conversely, our chances are memories of my time at the chamber, country to clearly state that better rela- the attention of third-party countries. the same time, for it to be a place which not so great. We want to work on that and along with Jaroslav Tvrdík we ma- tions with China were desirable. He also And then we should help find partners is perceived as advanced in terms of with the government and non-govern- naged to carry out a good piece of work. has experience in the energy and tech- and financing for such projects. technology and education, so that from mental sector. He has now consolidated that by going nology spheres. During the time that here, Chinese firms could service the in one direction, and I have set out on he was premier [2010-13], these spheres How do you want to persuade the go- entire region. Nor should it merely be What is your relationship like now with a direction closer to my previous pro- underwent considerable development. vernment to re-evaluate its current a one-way street; the same care should the Joint Czech-China Chamber of Com- fessional career in diplomacy.

10-11 E15W 102.indd 11 1/29/2016 3:12:17 PM 12/13 feature

Jamieson outlines one principle that must be observed if a print title is to stand a chance. A general fashion or interiors magazine can hardly cut it. Instead, the publication must exploit a seemingly fringe market segment. For Jamieson, the more esoteric, the better. “It needs to have a really pure, original Print is dead, idea. And it needs to know who its audi- ence is and speak to them,” she said. ‘Banner blindness’ Another expert who also forecast the print renaissance is Samir Husni, aka long live print Mr. Magazine. On his website, Launch Monitor, he publishes the number of Steadfast. new magazines launched each month “Print is the faithful in the US. During the whole of 2015, spouse. Ninety- there were more than 200, bettering five percent of the the previous year’s result and setting money is in print,” a new record in the process. According says Samir Husni, to Husni, those who abandoned print, lu- also known as Mr. red by the elusive, tantalising promise of Magazine digital, are beginning to repent. “Print is the faithful spouse. Ninety-five percent of the money is in print,” says Husni. With a few exceptions, operators of leading news servers in the Czech Repub- lic concur. They are in fact battling break- neck technological advances of the very phenomenon that was supposed to drive their advantage. With website visitors migrating from traditional desktop and laptop computers to smartphones as the device of choice for web browsing, the demands on shrewdly placing advertise- ments increase. While print readers are exposed to every ad as they leaf though the pages, it is much easier for readers to ignore web-based adverts and thus much more difficult to place smartphone ads. As a result those publishers’ marketing departments that can grapple with the challenge are few and far between. “Banner blindness” is the new En- glish-language term that describes the outcome. However, nothing of the sort can happen where print media are con- cerned. So media managers of the day

Photos: Profimedia.cz no longer make do with being seasoned journalists or economists. They must t’s as if magazines Michal Půr “Just go and look at the newsstands. also incorporate sophisticated psycho- The breadth of what’s now on offer is logical skills if they are to succeed. have survived When the accolades were last year bes- greater than ever before,” says Ruth towed upon the world’s best digital ma- Jamieson, author of Print is Dead, Long Unproductive and unhappy a clinical death. gazines, the final line-up included Czech Live Print. She has worked for several Alexander Markowetz of the University I weekly Dotyk [Touch], which is distri- magazines and witnessed first-hand the of Bonn in 2014 launched a smartphone More titles than ever buted to readers’ tablet devices. “The demise of British music, fashion and Online servers often app named Menthal. It is designed to direction we took almost three years culture monthly The Face in 2004. It track people’s behaviour in the use of before line the shelves ago was and still is the correct one,” re- was a time that was overflowing with struggle with the their smartphones. The app has been at newsagents. Quality acted its editor-in-chief Eva Hanáková, “sure-fire” forecasts on the imminent effects of the rapid downloaded more than 300,000 times before stating that being a technology end of print media, with publishers and the results it provides are not exact- will be decisive in their visionary had brought rewards. Hardly switching to online. development ly encouraging for digital media. anyone back then would have imagined The results show that the average future that Hanáková would just a few months Esoterica rules of technologies Menthal app user interacts with their later be putting together a print versi- Stack, a UK-based subscription service, smartphone for around 2.5 hours a day. on of Dotyk. Distinct similarities are announced a 78-percent jump in reve- Markowetz calls such users “homo di- found when it comes to the fate of Daniel nues last year, with a 76-percent incre- And then, using social media, you can gitalis”, i.e. individuals who experience Balšínek’s Echo. Making the move to ase in its number of subscribers. “One find contributors and an audience. So in their lives largely through digital media. paper basically saved the publication reason is that it’s really easy to publish a way the very thing that was supposed It should be pointed out that this is the from extinction, as Balšínek is quick your own magazine now,” said Jamieson, to destroy magazines – the internet – most important target group for most to admit. Czech readers, it seems, have talking to The Independent. “If you have is actually helping to revive them. You media. shown that they are no exception to the the idea then there are loads of free, or don’t need a big office and lots of money The duration of the smartphone in- rule that’s holding sway. relatively cheap, tools to make it with. from investors anymore,” she added. teraction is nothing horrific in itself.

12-13 E15W 102.indd 12 1/29/2016 3:13:36 PM feature

Jamieson outlines one principle that Shredded attention spans. must be observed if a print title is to According to Alexander Markowetz, stand a chance. A general fashion or digital media lead us into a fragmented interiors magazine can hardly cut it. life of constant interactions, Instead, the publication must exploit multitasking and switching between a seemingly fringe market segment. For different things Jamieson, the more esoteric, the better. “It needs to have a really pure, original idea. And it needs to know who its audi- ence is and speak to them,” she said. ‘Banner blindness’ Another expert who also forecast the “This is a project we talked about for print renaissance is Samir Husni, aka a number of years. One thing we saw Mr. Magazine. On his website, Launch was that the brand had a lot more po- Monitor, he publishes the number of tential than we thought it did,” said Jim Steadfast. new magazines launched each month Lanzone, president and CEO of CBS “Print is the faithful in the US. During the whole of 2015, Interactive, CNET’s parent. spouse. Ninety- there were more than 200, bettering five percent of the the previous year’s result and setting Strong bond money is in print,” a new record in the process. According Another factor that speaks in favour says Samir Husni, to Husni, those who abandoned print, lu- of print is the return on investment also known as Mr. red by the elusive, tantalising promise of (ROI). It typically exceeds that of digital Magazine digital, are beginning to repent. “Print is media. A study conducted by Germa- the faithful spouse. Ninety-five percent ny’s GfK Panel Services, concluded that of the money is in print,” says Husni. print’s ROI is 125 percent (every euro With a few exceptions, operators of invested in print delivers a return on leading news servers in the Czech Repub- average of €1.25) while TV and digital lic concur. They are in fact battling break- media reach an ROI of 87 percent. neck technological advances of the very “Over the years readers establish phenomenon that was supposed to drive a strong bond with their pet magazine,” their advantage. With website visitors Print sales do not amount to says Mickey Gallin of GfK. “Readers migrating from traditional desktop and often look forward to the next opportu- laptop computers to smartphones as the what they were in the distant nity to spend time with their favourite device of choice for web browsing, the brands. We think that readers tend to demands on shrewdly placing advertise- past, and the same goes for print treat magazines as their pals and would ments increase. While print readers are be disappointed not to find their favou- exposed to every ad as they leaf though advertising. But it is plain to see rite brands in them. The reading itself the pages, it is much easier for readers to is inseparable from the advertising. Re- ignore web-based adverts and thus much that the segment still possesses aders simply want to see advertising for more difficult to place smartphone ads. those brands whose products or services As a result those publishers’ marketing untapped opportunities they use,” Gallin explains. In a simplified departments that can grapple with the manner, it could be stated that the qua- challenge are few and far between. What is a cause for concern, however, Back to the print shop lity of a magazine can be judged by the “Banner blindness” is the new En- is that during those 2.5 hours the user Such “homo digitalis” observations quality of the advertisements in it. glish-language term that describes the will have displayed 80 “screens”, ha- make it clear that it is only a matter of outcome. However, nothing of the sort ving unlocked their phone almost 60 time before advertisers notice this kind of Indestructible can happen where print media are con- times. Markowetz fears that this can behaviour, with some already having expe- It is beyond doubt that print sales volu- cerned. So media managers of the day lead to a “fragmented life of constant rienced that lightbulb moment. It is also mes are lower than what they used to be no longer make do with being seasoned interactions, multitasking and switching one reason why the initially purely digital and that the same goes for advertising. journalists or economists. They must between different things”. According to Tablet Magazine morphed into a print ver- But it is also plain to see that the segment also incorporate sophisticated psycho- Attention Restoration Theory, develo- sion too. Tablet has some 1.5 million online still possesses untapped opportunities. logical skills if they are to succeed. ped in the 1980s, people need about 15 readers and sells about 15,000 copies at Cinema and radio also suffered conside- minutes of devoting themselves to an news outlets. According to Tablet’s editor rably when television made its entry yet Unproductive and unhappy intellectual task before they reach a suf- Mark Oppenheimer, online articles reach they are still around. They have relied Alexander Markowetz of the University ficiently intense mental concentration. a far greater audience but only in a largely on their previous decades of experience of Bonn in 2014 launched a smartphone Allowing ourselves to be interrupted superficial manner. The print version’s as well as on occupying space that tele- Online servers often app named Menthal. It is designed to every 12 minutes means we are never impact is much greater. vision simply cannot reach. track people’s behaviour in the use of able to get things done properly. The list of previously entirely digital In one of his older columns Stuart struggle with the their smartphones. The app has been “It leads to a situation where you media that have in the meantime expan- Thomas likened reading a magazine to effects of the rapid downloaded more than 300,000 times are both unproductive and unhappy,” ded their portfolios with print periodi- listening to a symphony by Beethoven in and the results it provides are not exact- explains Markowetz, describing such cals is rather long. It includes CNET, a concert setting. The reading of online development ly encouraging for digital media. a state of mind as “digital burnout”. Politico, WebMD and Pitchfork Review. content is perhaps akin to listening to The results show that the average In this regard, Markowetz compares Especially surprising was the sight of the same symphony replayed by one’s of technologies Menthal app user interacts with their smartphones to slot machines. Winning CNET, a leading technology website, mobile phone. Everyone can choose smartphone for around 2.5 hours a day. on a slot machine releases the motiva- making the move in 2014. CNET Ma- what they prefer. The answer to the Markowetz calls such users “homo di- tional hormone dopamine that makes gazine sports 128 pages, with about question of why do people continue to And then, using social media, you can gitalis”, i.e. individuals who experience the gambler press the button again. 200,000 copies printed every three read print magazines is very simple: find contributors and an audience. So in their lives largely through digital media. “It is the same mechanism. It’s been months. Although it lags behind tech- because readers are smart. a way the very thing that was supposed It should be pointed out that this is the decorated like email or Tinder or Fa- nology magazine Wired, which boasts to destroy magazines – the internet – most important target group for most cebook, but inside it’s a slot machine: 850,000 copies, it is still an exemplary is actually helping to revive them. You media. one button, one surprise, dopamine, case of print’s rebirth. And there is also Taken from the magazine don’t need a big office and lots of money The duration of the smartphone in- whoo-hoo! – let’s do it again,” adds the the rule that articles printed in the ma- from investors anymore,” she added. teraction is nothing horrific in itself. assistant professor. gazine are not available on the website.

12-13 E15W 102.indd 13 1/29/2016 3:13:48 PM 14/15 wine & dine society à Table! In plain French In Dejvice there’s a French bistro that’s as unpretentious as can be

Czech bee buzzes over to brussels for award A European Bee Award ‘silver’ medal has been presented to Zemědělský výzkum Troubsko [Agricultural Research, Troubsko] for a laboratory-based bee repopulation project undertaken for the benefit of Czech farmers and gardeners. Representatives of the Czech Bee project – one of 23 such initiatives from across Europe assessed by the contest judges –picked up their award in Brussels. Czech Bee focuses on breeding bee types that are comfortably in tune with Czech nature and help resolve escalating Petr Holec pollination difficulties. The prize, handed over with the participation of Slovak European member of parliament Franc Bogovič, was collected by Jan Nedělník (third ew venture à Table may from left), the director of the Troubsko research enterprise and deputy chair of the indeed lack frills but it Association of Research Organisations [AVO], along with team members Nsuccessfully evokes the A161000479 atmosphere of a rural French restaurant. The simple setup

even extends online. à Table Photos: Hynek Glos does not have a website but its Facebook page perhaps suffi- sauce. It also meant a depletion Get your subscription! ces for a small restaurant with of some of the restaurant’s best The Lowdown a frequently changing menu. Burgundy wines. The standard menu at à Disappointed but retaining à Table! Table is typically French, be- high expectations, I ordered Mařákova 10 ginning with two soups fol- the terrine of the day. In this 160 00 Prague 6 You can subscribe lowed by appetisers including case duck with Armagnac and tel.: 211 152 619 securely via e-mail cold meats, terrine of the day, cranberries served in a pot. e-mail: cheese, shelled snails in a Bur- The flavoursome terrine was [email protected] Use the e-mail address gundy sauce and foie gras – the even enough to persuade me to [email protected], most expensive starter at 230 order duck again for the main Opening hours State your name and delivery

address. Use the code WEEK 0116 crowns. course. The magret de canard, 1 0 2 Rise of a stringer 0 Mon–Fri 7.30 am–23 pm Monday, 1 February 2016 l www.e15.cz

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Sat 10.00 am–23.00 pm TOP STORY pages 8–9

771803 9 respectable, especially if you typical French style. Lean sli- Print lives! You can also subscribe The magazine format was said Full-year subscription: to be in terminal decline, enjoy meats and poultry in ces of slightly bloody meat are so how come it’s thriving? online at our website RaTing FeaTuRe pages 12–13 rich sauces. The veal, pork, accompanied by a rich sauce http://www.mf.cz/produkty/ beef steak and entrecôte are along with mashed potatoes  CZK and as a gift all recommended but don’t seasoned with green pesto and Prohibition 650 overlook the canards! French Magret de canard. a julienne of fresh vegetables. Booze ban. payout for BecherovkaAuthorities Parker Premium responded to Breast of French mulard duck with a forest fruit sauce the poisoning ducks are reputedly the tastiest Sadly, of all these fine ingredi- counterparts. Instead of des- crisis three years ago by taking the unprecedented To subscribe on in the world and French chefs ents it was the duck that proved sert I opted for an espresso, step of barring all sales of spirits with an Emerald Ballpoint Pen alcohol content Pork cutlet. of more than have accordingly devised some to be the weakest link. It really which is as powerful here as 20 percent. a toll-free number, Here, Makro hypermarket employees in of the best recipes for them. Slow roasted was bloody, as the waitress had their garlic soup. Ostrava close the liquor dept in a gift case, valued call 800 248 248 Among other options, à Table with vegetables promised, but the meat rema- It’s heartening to see new re- offers a classic duck breast and and homemade ined somewhat tough and the staurants opening in Prague’s at CZK 1,200 Simply call to provide your a leg of duck confit served with mashed potatoes flavour was undistinguished for peripheral quarters that can personal details and cite the

ČTK code WEEK 0116 potatoes roasted in duck fat. such a potentially tasty bird. offer high-quality cuisine that while investigators went after those Photo: Photo: Dušan Kütner responsible for adulterated alcohol that caused several dozen deaths. According of The three-week clampdown on alcohol sales ernod Ricard-owned Jan Be- to available information, the granting It’s especially worth looking After the main course the is still affordable to most of us. following the autumn 2012 methanol poisonings left cher, the Karlovy Vary-based the money makes Jan Becher the only maker of the Becherovka her- compensated manufacturer. liquor producers counting losses in the hundreds of bal bitters, has picked up CZK However, the sum did not come by P96.5m in compensation. The financial way of the state or adomestic commer- millions of crowns. Despite initial declarations, none award is for damages suffered in rela- cial insurer. out for this restaurant’s recur- waitress offered me a dessert The bill for a three-course din- tion to the nationwide ban on sales of Continues on page 5 This subscription offer is valid of the manufacturers ever demanded, or received, spirits introduced in September 2012 ring tributes to French regio- but two well prepared French ner with coffee and two glasses any compensation. Except one: Becherovka until 14 February 2016

1/29/2016 11:42:19 AM

d 1 nal cuisine. I could have kicked courses were about enough. of decent French wine came 01-04-05 E15W 102.ind

myself for missing their recent Although the French are no- to around 700 crowns. Had This offer is valid for new subscribers only and will remain in place while stocks last. The subscriber acknowledges that a subscription with a gift or a discount cannot be terminated for one year from the subscription date. The subscriber also acknowledges that the subscription is automatically renewed for another one-year period unless explicitly terminated by the subscriber in a written notice addressed to Mladá fronta a. s. By subscribing, the subscriber consents with the inclusion of all personal information celebration of dishes from wadays making their cuisine I arrived at lunchtime, I could provided in a database of Mladá fronta a. s., domiciled at Mezi Vodami 1952/9, Prague 4, as the database administrator, and with the subsequent use of such personal information for the purposes of offering products and services and the distribution of Burgundy. Priced at only 630 lighter, their dishes are still have ordered a main course commercial announcements via digital and printed communication in accordance with Act no. 480/2004 of the Czech Legislative Code, on selected information society services. Such consent is given for an inde�inite period, i.e. until it is withdrawn. The subscriber also consents with the processing of the provided personal information by third parties authorised by the database administrator. In doing so, the subscriber acknowledges his/her rights granted under Sections 11, 21 of Act no. 101/2000 of the Czech crowns, it included delicacies generally creamier and den- and a glass of Bordeaux for no Legislative Code, on the protection of personal information and the amendment of certain other laws. These rights include in particular the voluntary nature of the provision of such personal information and the right to withdraw the consent at any time and free of charge with a notice to the administrator, the right to access such personal information, and the right to correct personal information, block incorrect personal information, erase such information, etc. In the event of any doubts regarding the observance of such as frog legs in a poulette ser than their Mediterranean more than 200 crowns. such rights by the administrator, the subscriber can contact the administrator or petition the Of�ice for the Protection of Personal Information (Úřad pro ochranu osobních údajů). For more information and to read the general delivery conditions visit www.mf.cz

Predplatne E15weekly 225x148 EN 01_02.indd 1 1/29/2016 11:43:19 AM

14-15 E15W 102.indd 14 1/29/2016 3:15:22 PM society à Table! Investment league looks back on 20 years, launches new guide The Association for Foreign Investment (AFI) nonprofit organisation has celebrated 20 years of existence. At an event held in Prague’s Žižkov Tower, former AFI chairs looked back on the development of investment and In plain French reflected on the evolving standpoints of governments past and present in relation to investment conditions. The gathering also saw the ‘christening’ of a unique publication, Investors’ Guidebook, which provides incoming investors with comprehensive and current information about the Czech investment environment (third from left is AFI founder Jan Amos Havelka and fifth from left is current AFI chair Kamil Blažek). AFI aims to support foreign direct investment and cultivate the Czech entrepreneurial sphere Zemědělský výzkum Troubsko Photo: Zemědělský Czech bee buzzes over to brussels for award A European Bee Award ‘silver’ medal has been presented to Zemědělský výzkum Troubsko [Agricultural Research, Troubsko] for a laboratory-based bee repopulation project undertaken for the benefit of Czech farmers and gardeners. Representatives of the Czech Bee project – one of 23 such initiatives from across Europe assessed by the contest judges –picked up their award in Brussels. Czech Bee focuses on breeding bee types that are comfortably in tune with Czech nature and help resolve escalating pollination difficulties. The prize, handed over with the participation of Slovak European member of parliament Franc Bogovič, was collected by Jan Nedělník (third from left), the director of the Troubsko research enterprise and deputy chair of the

Association of Research Organisations [AVO], along with team members Photo: AFI A161000479 advertising Get your subscription!

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771803 9 Print lives! You can also subscribe The magazine format was said Full-year subscription: to be in terminal decline, so how come it’s thriving? online at our website FeaTuRe pages 12–13 http://www.mf.cz/produkty/ Prohibition CZK 650 and as a gift

Booze ban. payout for BecherovkaAuthorities Parker Premium responded to the poisoning counterparts. Instead of des- crisis three years ago by taking the unprecedented To subscribe on sert I opted for an espresso, step of barring all sales of spirits with an Emerald Ballpoint Pen alcohol content of more than which is as powerful here as 20 percent. a toll-free number, Here, Makro hypermarket employees in their garlic soup. Ostrava close the liquor dept in a gift case, valued call 800 248 248 It’s heartening to see new re- staurants opening in Prague’s at CZK 1,200 Simply call to provide your peripheral quarters that can personal details and cite the

ČTK code WEEK 0116 offer high-quality cuisine that while investigators went after those Photo: Photo: Dušan Kütner responsible for adulterated alcohol that caused several dozen deaths. According of The three-week clampdown on alcohol sales ernod Ricard-owned Jan Be- to available information, the granting is still affordable to most of us. following the autumn 2012 methanol poisonings left cher, the Karlovy Vary-based the money makes Jan Becher the only maker of the Becherovka her- compensated manufacturer. liquor producers counting losses in the hundreds of bal bitters, has picked up CZK However, the sum did not come by P96.5m in compensation. The financial way of the state or adomestic commer- millions of crowns. Despite initial declarations, none award is for damages suffered in rela- cial insurer. The bill for a three-course din- tion to the nationwide ban on sales of Continues on page 5 This subscription offer is valid of the manufacturers ever demanded, or received, spirits introduced in September 2012 ner with coffee and two glasses any compensation. Except one: Becherovka until 14 February 2016

1/29/2016 11:42:19 AM

d 1 of decent French wine came 01-04-05 E15W 102.ind to around 700 crowns. Had This offer is valid for new subscribers only and will remain in place while stocks last. The subscriber acknowledges that a subscription with a gift or a discount cannot be terminated for one year from the subscription date. The subscriber also acknowledges that the subscription is automatically renewed for another one-year period unless explicitly terminated by the subscriber in a written notice addressed to Mladá fronta a. s. By subscribing, the subscriber consents with the inclusion of all personal information I arrived at lunchtime, I could provided in a database of Mladá fronta a. s., domiciled at Mezi Vodami 1952/9, Prague 4, as the database administrator, and with the subsequent use of such personal information for the purposes of offering products and services and the distribution of have ordered a main course commercial announcements via digital and printed communication in accordance with Act no. 480/2004 of the Czech Legislative Code, on selected information society services. Such consent is given for an inde�inite period, i.e. until it is withdrawn. The subscriber also consents with the processing of the provided personal information by third parties authorised by the database administrator. In doing so, the subscriber acknowledges his/her rights granted under Sections 11, 21 of Act no. 101/2000 of the Czech and a glass of Bordeaux for no Legislative Code, on the protection of personal information and the amendment of certain other laws. These rights include in particular the voluntary nature of the provision of such personal information and the right to withdraw the consent at any time and free of charge with a notice to the administrator, the right to access such personal information, and the right to correct personal information, block incorrect personal information, erase such information, etc. In the event of any doubts regarding the observance of more than 200 crowns. such rights by the administrator, the subscriber can contact the administrator or petition the Of�ice for the Protection of Personal Information (Úřad pro ochranu osobních údajů). For more information and to read the general delivery conditions visit www.mf.cz

Predplatne E15weekly 225x148 EN 01_02.indd 1 1/29/2016 11:43:19 AM

14-15 E15W 102.indd 15 1/29/2016 3:15:39 PM 16 diversions

picture of the week Photo: ČTK

Smash hit in the happy ending charts If Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach still had some doubts over whether the Miss Universe crown was truly hers, the shrieking fans and raining confetti that greeted the Filipino model on her return to Manila must have finally dispelled them. A billion TV viewers gasped last month after an epic blunder in which the pageant host, American comedian Steve Harvey, mistakenly gave the crown to Colombian beauty contestant Ariadna Gutierrez before correcting himself minutes later. City streets were jammed with adoring crowds as Wurtzbach, in a owing blue-green gown, waved the Philippine ag while perched on a oat designed as a replica of the diamond and sapphire crown. The 26-year-old, who told interviewers she dreams of becoming a Filipino Bond girl, was serenaded by ex-president Joseph Estrada

invitations

festival classical music modern art theatre exhibition Songfest’s Year Under the baton Jiří Hauschka McEwan’s The Cement Free entry of the Monkey of José Cura exhib extended Garden at Švandovo at National Gallery Michal Hančovský, archive Photos: Michal Hančovský, Multicultural festival Argentine operatic tenor An exhibition of works by The Cement Garden (1978), Prague’s National Gallery Songfest.cz 2016 celebrates José Cura for the first painter Jiří Hauschka at a novel by famous English is celebrating its 220th the arrival of the Chinese Year time takes the conductor’s Prague’s Černá Labuť Art writer and screenwriter Ian birthday. From 5-7 February of the Monkey in 10 localities baton in an event with the & Event Gallery has been McEwan, has been turned into there is free entry to all of its across Bohemia and Moravia Prague Symphony Orchestra extended until 14 February. a stage production for the first permanent exhibitions. Among from 3-20 February. It offers at Smetana Hall, Prague Hauschka weds realism and time outside of the UK. The pre- these are Medieval Art in a diverse programme full of Municipal House. On 10 and a sense for detail with bright miere took place on Saturday Bohemia and Central Europe, music from around the world. 11 February, audiences will expression and intense at Prague’s Švandovo theatre. European Art from Antiquity A highlight will be the Monkey be treated to compositions emotionality. His pictures More performances are schedu- to the End of Baroque in King, a traditional show of the by Rachmaninoff, Respighi bustle with colour and led. The dark horror story tells Bohemia, The Art of Asia, The Beijing Opera. Songfest peaks and Cura himself (Magnificat). evoke stories. This Saturday the tale of four suburban sib- Art of Ancient Times and Art at Prague’s Palác Akropolis on The following week, giving there will be a viewing-with- lings. To avoid being taken into of the 20th and 21st Centuries. 13 February. master singing courses, Cura, commentary in the presence care, they hide their mother’s singers and conductors will be of the painter. corpse in the house cellar and devoted to Italian opera. attempt to live on their own.

16 E15W 102.indd 16 1/29/2016 3:16:26 PM