CZOwnership & classification
Founded: 1998
Ownership
iDNES.cz is the news portal operated by the publisher MAFRA, which also publishes the dailies Mladá fronta DNES and Lidové noviny. MAFRA was owned 2013–2023 by Andrej Babiš's Agrofert holding; after Czech conflict-of-interest law forced a sale, Agrofert sold MAFRA in 2023 to billionaire investor Karel Pražák's Kaprain (KAPRAIN) group. In November 2025 Pražák agreed to sell 50% of MAFRA to billionaire Pavel Tykač's company Tymeprax, so ownership is now split between two private Czech investors (pending regulatory approval).
Funding
Commercially financed through online and print advertising and digital subscriptions/premium content across the MAFRA group; no state or party funding.
Affiliation & stance
Centrist-to-mainstream general news outlet. While under Babiš/Agrofert (2013–2023) it was widely regarded as politician-controlled and effectively DEPENDENT, since the 2023 Kaprain sale and the 2025 Tykač co-purchase it is owned by private commercial investors with no party or state control, making it INDEPENDENT today; readers should note the recent oligarch-ownership history.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 431
76/100
Factual
72/100
Objective
885
Articles
885
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
The Prague city council has removed Prokop from the supervisory board of the transport company.
We are not throwing a dagger in the back of the government, as the Prime Minister claims, says Zamrazilova of CNB
There are no reserves, the budget decline will be more drastic
The ODS loses to the Old Ones, the SPD is weakened, the Pirates and the Motorists have jumped
ATMs are down and gasoline is already running out on the black market.
Putin strengthens his own security
Pavel interprets the constitution as he pleases, says Babiš
In Brno, a fire hit a social facility on Kociánka Street, firefighters evacuated people
The cat apologized for the guard.
Recent coverage
Ukraine reports two dead after night attacks by Russia, with the death toll in Kiev rising to 30.
At least two people were killed and eight injured in Russian air strikes on the Sumy region and Kryvyj Rih in Ukraine during the night of Thursday to Friday, according to Ukrainian authorities. This follows a large-scale Russian attack on Kyiv earlier in the week which killed at least 30 people and injured around 100 others. In response to the attacks, Ukraine conducted missile strikes on Belgorod in Russia, causing a fire at an energy facility and killing one woman, according to Russian media. The overnight strike on the city of Romny in the Sumy region hit a residential building, killing two women and injuring a man, reported regional administrator Oleh Hryhorov via Telegram. Another seven people were injured in a missile strike on Kryvyj Rih, according to military city administrator Oleksandr Vilkul. In Kyiv, teams discovered three more dead bodies during the night, bringing the total number of victims to 30, according to Reuters citing Ukrainian health authorities. Kyiv's military administrator Tymur Tkačenko stated that the attack injured 99 people. Moscow claimed the extensive attack was a response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, including those carried
As in the old days, the Charlevoix Festival will present Almodóvar's film in the Marian Baths.
The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival will screen Pedro Almodóvar's new film 'Bitter Christmas' in Mariánské Lázně ahead of its wider release across Czech cinemas starting August 6. The film explores themes of artistic creation and personal relationships through two intertwined narratives—one focusing on a renowned filmmaker and the other on a young advertising director dealing with grief. Almodóvar presented the film at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, where he called on creators to speak out against societal crises and figures like Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Vladimir Putin. While the film received mixed reviews, with some critics finding it slightly disjointed, it is part of the festival’s 60th anniversary celebrations and includes a special section revisiting classic films from past festivals.
In the tropical Pacific, El Niño conditions have set in, researchers say.
The article reports that researchers from New Zealand’s Earth Sciences organization (ESNZ) have identified conditions consistent with the El Niño climate phenomenon in the tropical Pacific. They warn that impacts on New Zealand’s weather are likely to intensify over the coming months. The ESNZ joined other organizations in Australia, Japan, and the U.S. in confirming the development of El Niño, which is expected to reach strong intensity between July and September. The effects are projected to peak during the Southern Hemisphere summer, spanning late 2023 into early 2024. According to lead researcher Chris Brandolini, this El Niño event is at least comparable in strength to five of the strongest recorded El Niños in modern history. The article outlines regional rainfall expectations, noting potential below-average precipitation in some areas and above-normal levels in others. It also mentions possible temperature fluctuations and increased wind variability later in the year. Additionally, it notes two lower-probability risks: sudden stratospheric warming and the occurrence of a tropical cyclone outside the typical season, both historically linked to El Niño. Brandolini connects the
After the heat wave, the Czech Republic will be divided by a cold front: strong storms will hit the West
After breaking the absolute Czech temperature record of 41.9°C in Doksany over the weekend, the country is expected to experience a significant weather shift on Monday. Meteorologists predict that a cold front will move in from the west, dividing the nation into two distinct climate zones. While most of the country will see temperatures ranging between 31–36°C, extreme heat will persist in Moravia and Silesia, reaching up to 39°C. In contrast, western and northwestern Bohemia will experience much cooler conditions, with maximum temperatures around 28°C. The Plzeň Region will show notable local differences, with temperatures rising to 31°C on the east and dropping to 26°C on the west. The Šumava Mountains and northern mountainous areas will be even cooler, at 24°C and 20°C respectively. With the arrival of the cold front, cloud cover will increase, bringing rain and thunderstorms across the country. These storms could be severe, with heavy rainfall, strong winds, and large hailstones. Weather models remain uncertain about the exact intensity and location of these phenomena, but early signs indicate that intense thunderstorms have already begun forming along the borders of the South捷
Russia attacked in Zaporozhye, hitting a swimming pool and a beauty salon.
The article reports on a Russian attack in Zaporizhia, Ukraine, which targeted a swimming pool where swimmers were present and a cosmetic salon. The headline suggests that the attack impacted civilian facilities, highlighting the ongoing conflict's impact on everyday life. The article references a video, though no specific details about the incident or its broader implications are provided beyond the initial report. The focus appears to be on the collateral damage caused by military actions, emphasizing the vulnerability of non-military targets.
Lithuania wants to use all options to deter Russia, including nuclear.
The article discusses Lithuania's plans to remove a constitutional provision banning the placement of nuclear weapons on its territory, aiming to enhance deterrence against Russia. President Gitanas Nausėda stated during a press conference in Berlin after talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz that Lithuania wants to utilize all possible options for nuclear deterrence. The Lithuanian parliamentary parties agreed on a plan to amend the constitution to allow this. Nausėda emphasized that there are currently no plans to store nuclear weapons in Lithuania, but removing the constitutional ban would ensure the country is not bound if security conditions change in the future. He mentioned that the constitutional amendment could be completed by the end of the year. Lithuania, along with Estonia and Latvia, are NATO and EU members bordering Russia, which is a nuclear power engaged in a fifth-year war with Ukraine. Nuclear weapons are held by only Britain and France among European alliance countries. Chancellor Scholz invited Nausėda, Estonian Prime Minister Kristin Kask-Kaljas, and Latvian President Egils Levits to Berlin just days before the NATO summit, which will take place in Ankara.
Heat waves in the Czech Republic are longer and more intense, similar episodes will increase, says geographer
A current heatwave affecting the Czech Republic has been described by geography professor Michal Lehnert as exceptional due to both its extreme temperatures—reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius—and its prolonged duration, which began in early June. The situation arises from tropical air masses flowing into Central Europe from Africa, a phenomenon that historically occurs but now appears more frequent and longer-lasting. According to Lehnert, studies confirm that heatwaves in Central Europe have become more intense and longer over recent decades, and this trend is expected to continue. These conditions pose significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as seniors, people with cardiovascular or respiratory issues, and children who are exposed to hot surfaces and environments. Animals are also at risk during these periods. Lehnert emphasizes the need for adaptive measures, including improved building insulation, solar panels, green spaces, and water features in urban areas to mitigate the effects of rising temperatures. Climate models suggest that this summer could be above average in temperature, with July and August likely to be normal to slightly below average in降水
Trump chce, ať Česko plní závazky. „Nejsme jejich kolonie,“ opáčil Babiš
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš strongly opposed the United States during parliamentary questions, reacting to reports that Czech diplomats received warnings from the American administration before the NATO summit in Ankara. The US reportedly urged Czech officials to focus on fulfilling their defense spending commitments rather than explaining why they have failed to meet them. Babiš emphasized that the Czech Republic is a partner, not a colony, and criticized the US for implying such a relationship. The Czech government has struggled to meet its target of allocating at least 2% of GDP to defense, with the US now advocating for 5%. According to documents cited by *Deník N*, the US warned that if Czech leaders focused on justifying their failure to reach 2%, it would severely damage their credibility. Babiš initially dismissed the claims as fabricated but later acknowledged he has met with Donald Trump multiple times and has accommodated the US in other matters, such as caring for an American citizen suspected of having Ebola. The Czech government plans to commit to increasing defense spending, aiming for 3.5% of GDP by 2035. However, Babiš stated that the country cannot afford to
The security situation is much worse than it was four years ago, says new army chief Hlavač
The article features an interview with General Miroslav Hlaváč, the new Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces, discussing the deteriorating security situation in Europe, particularly in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Hlaváč states that the security situation for the Czech Republic is significantly worse than four years ago. The conversation also touches on his appointment, which was opposed by Defense Minister Jaromír Zůna, who was the only minister to vote against his selection. Hlaváč explains his career path within the military and defends his rapid ascent. He also discusses the proposed separation of the General Staff from the Ministry of Defense, citing bureaucratic inefficiencies and lessons learned from military exercises. President Petr Pavel supports this move, emphasizing the need for the General Staff to operate independently to effectively address security threats.
The owner of Dukla is going to court over Artis in the league.
The owner of the football club Dukla has decided to take legal action against the Czech Football Association (Artis) over their decision regarding the league. The owner stated that they do not accept the association's ruling and plan to appeal to the court. This move comes amid ongoing disputes between clubs and the governing body of Czech football. The situation highlights tensions within the league structure and raises questions about the fairness of the association's decisions. Legal proceedings could potentially impact the league's operations and relationships among teams.
How to drug and rape women.
The article reports on a police investigation that uncovered an international network involved in planning sexual assaults against women. The network allegedly coordinated their activities online, using digital platforms to organize and plan crimes. The focus of the report is on the methodical nature of the criminal activity, highlighting the role of technology in facilitating such offenses. The article emphasizes the scale and coordination of the network, suggesting a deliberate and organized approach to committing these crimes. It does not provide specific details about the number of individuals involved or the exact locations of the incidents.
Artis Brno has accepted an offer from LFA and will play in the first league next season
Artis Brno přijal nabídku od Ligové fotbalové asociace (LFA) a bude hrát v příští sezoně první ligu, což mu umožnilo nahradit vyloučenou Karvinu. Klub, který v minulé sezoně suverénně ovládl druhou ligu, se tak vrátil do nejvyšší soutěže po třech letech. LFA nejprve nabídla místo Táborsku, ale ten odmítl kvůli problémům s stadionem a nedostatečným časem na sestavení kádru. Pokud by i Táborsko odmítl, LFA by obrátila pozornost na pražskou Duklu, která se rozhodla podat žalobu na rozhodnutí LFA. Generální ředitel Artisu Petr Kuba zdůraznil, že klub chtěl poskytnout kvalitní prvoligový fotbal v Brně a na Jihozápadní Moravě, a přijetí nabídky splňuje jejich cíle.
The death toll from last week's earthquake in Venezuela has risen to 2,295.
The number of victims from an earthquake that struck northern Venezuela last week has risen to 2,295, according to the country's parliamentary leader, Jorge Rodríguez. The death toll was previously reported at 1,943 on Tuesday, and it is expected to continue rising as rescue operations and debris clearance continue. According to the United Nations, approximately 50,000 people are still missing. The number of injured has increased to 11,267. Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodríguez declared seven days of national mourning for the victims. Two earthquakes measuring 7.5 and 7.2 on the Richter scale hit northern Venezuela on June 24, affecting areas such as La Guaira and Caracas. Hundreds of smaller aftershocks have followed. Over three thousand international rescuers, including Czech teams, are assisting local efforts. The last survivor, a three-year-old boy, was rescued by a Jordanian team on Tuesday, but hopes for finding more survivors after several days under rubble are now minimal. Hospitals in Caracas and La Guaira are overcrowded, and an improvised medical center has been set up in a McDonald's restaurant in La Guaira. Local morgues are also overwhelmed, with tragic images,
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
