Public Czech broadcaster facing funding shifts and protests
Protesters have gathered in Prague as the lower house advances a plan to fund Czech Television and Czech Radio from the state budget, cutting current fees by about 15%. The move, supported by PM Babis’s coalition, has drawn criticism that it could empower the government to influence public media; staff plan a strike on Nov. 3 and rallies are planned for Nov. 15.
Protests erupt in Prague as demonstrators push back against a government plan to fund public broadcasters from the state budget, scrapping licence fees. Organisers warn the move risks media independence and democratic norms, while leaders defend the change as a financial necessity. Demonstrations culminate around Letná Plain with broad opposition from unions, academics, and international bodies.