# Czechia braces for massive protest against cuts to public media

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/czechia-braces-for-massive-protest-against-cuts-to-public-media/
- Published: 2026-11-13T08:35:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-13T09:25:24+00:00
- Original publisher: DW (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.dw.com/en/czechia-braces-for-massive-protest-against-cuts-to-public-media/a-79933533?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Prague is preparing for a major rally against proposed public media funding cuts.
- The bill would replace licence fees with state budget funding.
- Czech Television and Czech Radio warn of programme and staff cuts.

## Summary

The Czech government’s proposal to replace licence fees with funding from the state budget has triggered strikes and protests, with a large rally planned in Prague. Critics say the change could weaken the independence of Czech Television and Czech Radio, whose reporting has angered members of the governing coalition.

The bill was fast-tracked through its first parliamentary reading, with approval at 4:36 a.m. on 24 October. It would cut the broadcasters’ funding by about 15% in its first year; both have warned this could mean fewer programmes and staff. Organisers expect a major turnout at Letná Park, drawing on previous rallies that brought an estimated 300,000 people in 2019 and more than 200,000 earlier this year.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.