Czechs gather in big numbers to reject government’s plan to overhaul funding of public media

An estimated 350,000 people rallied in Prague against the Czech government’s plan to change how public radio and television are funded. Protesters say the plan could weaken media independence and democracy, while Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has denied it would affect media freedom.

The proposal would replace regular fees paid by individuals, households and businesses with state-budget funding, giving broadcasters about 15% less money. The coalition advanced the bill through its first parliamentary reading after restricting opposition speaking time; media workers later went on strike. The dispute has also been debated in the European Parliament, where the EU justice commissioner called for public media funding to be transparent, sustainable and predictable.