Thousands rally in Prague against public broadcaster funding overhaul
Quick Look
- Thousands of Czechs protested in Prague on Sunday against a government plan to change public broadcaster funding, fearing it endangers their independence.
- The proposal shifts financing from individual fees to the state budget, drawing criticism that politicians seek control over media.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
A plan approved by the Czech government will shift public broadcaster funding from individual fees to the state budget, a move critics fear will compromise media independence.
Thousands of Czechs rallied in the capital on Sunday to condemn a plan by the government led by populist Prime Minister Andrej Babis to overhaul funding for public broadcasters that is considered dangerous for their independence.
According to the plan approved last week, public radio and television would be financed from the state budget starting next year, and not from fees paid by individuals, households and businesses.
“The media don’t belong to politicians,” Mikulas Minar, a main organiser from the Million Moments for Democracy group said. “They belong to us all and we won’t allow them to be stolen from us.”
Babis, members of his government and loyal lawmakers have a record of attacks against the public and other mainstream media.
Open Questions
- What specific oversight mechanisms will be in place?
- How will the state budget allocation be determined?
