Czech lawmakers gave preliminary backing to a plan to shift public broadcasting costs to the state, prompting thousands to protest in Prague amid concerns about media independence.
Reuters reported that the lower house gave the measure its first vote of support early Saturday. The proposal would eliminate household fees that fund Czech Television and Czech Radio, replacing them with state-budget financing. The change could take effect next year and cut funding for the two broadcasters by about 15%, Reuters reported.
Critics cited by Reuters say reliance on annual state allocations could expose the broadcasters to political pressure. Prime Minister Andrej Babis has defended the plan as a funding-transparency measure, saying it is not intended to weaken media independence.
Reuters reported that the bill's first reading appeared on the lower house's Friday agenda without warning. Speaker Tomio Okamura curtailed debate, and lawmakers voted early Saturday after the session continued overnight.
Demonstrators gathered at Prague's Old Town Square, chanting for the government to resign and that they had had enough, Reuters reported. Protest organizer Mikulas Minar criticized Babis and Okamura over the vote, telling the crowd the government had “gone too far.” Organizers plan further rallies, Reuters reported.
The European Broadcasting Union and 15 other groups, including public broadcasters and Reporters Without Borders, asked Friday for more time to debate the proposal. They also called for provisions they said could threaten broadcasters’ stable finances to be removed, Reuters reported.
President Petr Pavel urged further expert scrutiny. In a Saturday post on X, Pavel said the Czech media system performs well by Central and Eastern European standards. Reuters cited a 2025 Reuters Institute survey that found public media enjoyed strong trust, and said Czech Television draws the largest audience across major age groups.
Opposition parties have drawn a comparison with Hungary, where Reuters reported that pro-government media expanded after reforms made during Viktor Orban’s time as prime minister. The bill remains in committee ahead of a later vote, Reuters reported.
