# Thousands protest in Prague as government advances public media funding overhaul

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/thousands-protest-in-prague-as-government-advances-public-media-funding-overhaul/
- Published: 2026-10-25T17:55:39+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-25T19:25:41+00:00
- Original publisher: The Independent (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/andrej-babis-prague-parliament-viktor-orban-robert-fico-b3073042.html
- Topics: Government, Politics

## Key points

- Thousands protested in Prague over public media funding changes.
- The bill passed its first reading at 4:36 a.m.
- Broadcasters would receive about 15% less funding.

## Summary

Thousands of people protested in Prague against a government plan to change how public radio and television are funded, warning it could weaken their independence. The demonstrations grew after the coalition advanced the bill in Parliament with limited time for opposition debate, passing its first reading at 4:36 a.m.

The proposal would replace regular fees paid by individuals, households and businesses with state-budget funding, giving public media about 15% less money. Critics say this could give the coalition greater influence over broadcasters, pointing to developments in Slovakia and Hungary. Public media staff have announced a strike for 3 November, and organisers plan another rally on 15 November.

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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.