The Czech government has approved a bill that would change how public service media are funded, according to Deutsche Welle. The proposal would remove the current license-fee system and instead place public service media financing under direct political control. DW reports that the government’s move has drawn criticism, with opponents warning that the change could undermine the independence of public service media. Critics argue that shifting funding mechanisms could increase political influence over editorial and programming decisions, which they describe as a risk to media pluralism and broader democratic safeguards. The reports note that the bill’s approval by the government does not mean it is law yet; it would still need to progress through the legislative process for any changes to take effect. Overall, the coverage focuses on the same dispute: supporters back the reform while critics say it threatens the independence of a key institution in Czech public life.