The Million Moments for Democracy association organized the demonstration in central Prague to challenge legislation that scraps the current household media fees. Under the existing framework, citizens pay 205 crowns monthly to sustain Czech TV and Czech radio independently of state coffers. Although Babis's coalition insists the measure simply reduces expenses, critics warn direct government financing will empower politicians to suppress critical reporting.
Key points
Critics warn that funding public broadcasters via the state budget threatens media freedo…: Critics warn that funding public broadcasters via the state budget threatens media freedom much like past measures in Hungary.
Press freedom advocates express concern over Prime Minister Andrej Babis's political atta…: Press freedom advocates express concern over Prime Minister Andrej Babis's political attacks against both public and private news outlets.
The Czech government maintains that eliminating the media license fee is purely an effort…: The Czech government maintains that eliminating the media license fee is purely an effort to cut public costs.
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- Published
Thousands of people have gathered in central Prague to protest against the Czech government's plans to scrap the license fee and use the state budget to fund public media.
Critics say the plans would allow politicians to stifle media freedom.
The coalition government - which consists of the populist ANO party and two right-wing Eurosceptic parties - insists the change will not affect editorial independence, but wants broadcasters to cut costs.
Parliament passed the first draft of the proposal late last month. Since then, thousands of Czechs have taken part in protests.
Czech households currently pay 205 crowns ($9.44, £7.06) a month for Czech TV and Czech radio.
Sunday's protest was organised by the Million Moments for Democracy association which said "roughly 400,000" people had attended.
It is being described as the largest protest since the Czech Republic's independence in 1993.
"I know that our entire Czech Television is a guarantee of truth and objectivity," pensioner Milana Rudolfova, 72, told Reuters news agency.
"If we do not have public television and radio then unfortunately we will not be…
Demonstrators in Prague are mobilizing against a government proposal to eliminate independent broadcast licence fees in favor of direct state budget subsidies. Critics argue the planned 15 percent budget reduction will compromise editorial independence and place public media under political leverage. The dispute has broadened into wider resistance against Prime Minister Andrej Babis's coalition, which includes far-right and Eurosceptic partners.
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Prime Minister Andrej Babis's government faces intense domestic and international pushback over plans to shift public service broadcasters to direct state budget allocations. Media advocates and watchdogs warn the measure will destroy journalistic independence by leaving networks vulnerable to political control. The dispute has mobilized widespread labor actions and civic demonstrations ahead of the anniversary of the 1989 Velvet Revolution.