Thousands protested in Prague on Sunday after Czech lawmakers gave initial backing to public media funding changes in a rare overnight vote. Critics argue the overhaul will damage media independence and leave broadcasters vulnerable to political pressure.
The proposed changes to public media funding in the Czech Republic could undermine media independence and leave broadcasters vulnerable to political pressure, potentially impacting the country's trusted news sources.
Thousands protested in Prague on Sunday after government lawmakers gave initial backing to public media funding changes in a rare overnight vote. The proposal's first reading was unexpectedly brought to the lower house floor outside the planned order of proceedings on Friday. Opponents and media advocacy groups have objected to fast-tracking the legislation, which will abolish household fees that currently fund Czech public television and radio stations. The populist government of Prime Minister Andrej Babis wants to move funding to the state budget, which critics say will leave broadcasters vulnerable to political pressure. Speaker Tomio Okamura of the SPD limited debate and scheduled a vote for 4:36 a.m. on Saturday. The bill is now at the committee stage before a later vote. Protest leader Mikulas Minar criticized the overnight vote, stating the government had "gone too far." Organizers plan further protests. Czech Television is the country's most-watched broadcaster, and public media are among the most trusted news sources. The proposal could cut funding by about 15%. Opposition parties have compared the changes to reforms in Hungary under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The European Broadcasting Union and 15 other groups called for more debate, and President Petr Pavel also called for more expert scrutiny.
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