Thousands of people in Prague rally against a government plan to change how Czech public broadcasters are funded, according to multiple outlets. Protesters gather outside Czech public television offices, denouncing the proposal by the government led by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. Critics say the overhaul could weaken the independence of public media and reduce their budgets.
Several reports describe the plan as shifting financing arrangements away from fees paid by households and businesses toward direct funding from the state budget. Deutsche Welle adds that the proposal would result in a 15% funding cut and provides no guarantees of continued future funding. Bloomberg similarly characterizes the government’s approach as one that critics say would limit both independence and budgets.
The protests take place ahead of additional planned media actions, including staff warning strikes, and follow earlier demonstrations in regional capitals. The rallies focus on defending public radio and television’s autonomy and long-term financial stability as the government’s proposal moves forward.
