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Czechs rally in Prague against government plan for public broadcasters
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- Thousands of Czechs protested in Prague against Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’ plan to fund public broadcasters through the state budget, fearing it threatens media independence.
- The plan, approved last week, would shift financing from fees paid by individuals and businesses to direct state funding, raising concerns about government control over media.
- Critics compare the move to actions by populist governments in Slovakia and Hungary, warning it could lead to political interference in public broadcasting.
- The proposed funding change would reduce media budgets by about 15%, potentially forcing hundreds of layoffs, with no guarantees of future funding stability.
- Babiš’ government has a history of criticizing mainstream media and is also pursuing policies that distance the Czech Republic from support for Ukraine and some EU initiatives.
