Czechs Stage Huge Rally Against Public-Media Funding Overhaul
The plan would cut broadcaster funding by about 15% and shift control to the state budget, critics say it could weaken editorial independence.
- On Sunday, an estimated 350,000 people rallied at Prague's Letna Park against the government's plan to overhaul public media funding, which critics warn could erode media independence and democracy.
- Prime Minister Andrej Babia plans to replace the current monthly household fee of 205 crowns with direct state budget funding, a change opponents argue will stifle media freedom.
- International organizations, including the European Broadcasting Union and Reporters Without Borders, criticized the proposal, which could cut broadcaster funding by about 15%, potentially forcing layoffs and program cancellations.
- Prime Minister Babis vowed to proceed with the legislation despite the massive protests, which passed its first parliamentary reading last month despite lawmakers limiting opposition speaking time.
- Protesters also demanded the resignations of Speaker Tomio Okamura and Defense Minister Jarom Zona, citing concerns over government defense policy, rejection of financial aid for Ukraine, and ties to Russia.
112 Articles
112 Articles
Hundreds of thousands marched in the Czech capital to denounce a bill that threatens the independence of public television and radio Hundreds of thousands
Hundreds of thousands of citizens have gathered in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, to protest against government plans that, according to them, endanger the freedom and independence of public media. According to organizers, about 350,000 people took part in the rally held in the Letná area, turning it into one of the largest protests in the country's history. The protesters oppose the proposal of the government of Prime Minister Andre…
Hundreds of thousands of Czechs from all over the country gathered today at a protest in Letna Park in Prague to show their support for the public service that the government is transferring to funding from the budget, without a guarantee of independence.
Hundreds of thousands of people took part in a mass protest in Prague on Sunday against the media reform promoted by Prime Minister Andrej Babis. Protesters oppose the elimination of broadcasting charges for radio and public television and warns that the transfer of direct funding to the state budget could allow the authorities to exercise political control over media institutions. Organizers estimated the participation of 200,000-250,000 people…
Channel News Asia
Czechs stage huge rally against public-media funding overhaul
PRAGUE: Hundreds of thousands of Czechs rallied in Prague on Sunday against the nationalist government's plan to overhaul public-media funding, which critics see as a threat to press freedom.The government of billionaire Prime Minister Andrej Babis wants to switch from funding Czech TV and Czech Radio through
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