Thousands of people took to the streets in several cities across the Czech Republic on Sunday to demonstrate in support of the independence of public radio and television, protesting plans by the right-wing populist government of Prime Minister Andrej Babiš.
The three-party coalition aims to abolish radio and television licence fees and instead make Czech Television (ČT) and Czech Radio (ČRo) dependent on direct state funding in the future. Critics warn this could undermine the broadcasters’ independence and open the door to political influence.
The protests in 12 of the country’s largest cities were organized by the civic movement “A Million Moments for Democracy,” which recently staged a similar demonstration in the capital Prague.
Organizers and participants directed their criticism at a draft law that foresees that broadcasters being financed directly from the state budget from 2027, with significantly less funding than at present.
Images from the CTK news agency showed demonstrators gathered outside a broadcasting building in Brno, waving Czech flags. Banners read “Freedom for the media!” and, addressing television and radio journalists, “We are with you!”
The broadcasting staff responded by unfurling a banner from a studio window reading: “Thank you!”
Since December, the Czech Republic has been governed by a coalition comprising Babiš’ right-wing populist party ANO, the far-right Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD), and the Motorists party.
