Summary
Tens of thousands of people rallied in Prague against a Czech government proposal to replace household fees for public media with funding from the state budget. Critics say the change could make broadcasters more dependent on the government, while the government says it will not affect editorial independence or programming.Key Facts
- The Million Moments for Democracy group organised the rally in Letna Park.
- The proposal would replace a monthly household fee of 205 crowns, about $9.45, with state-budget funding.
- The bill passed a preliminary parliamentary vote and awaits further debate.
- Broadcast workers have been striking against the proposal since June.
- Public media employees held a one-day strike earlier this month.
- The government says the funding change will not affect editorial independence or programme content.
- The European Broadcasting Union, European Federation of Journalists, Reporters Without Borders and International Press Institute have criticised the reform.
- About 30 to 33 percent of people in the Czech Republic trust the media, while Czech Television is the most-watched broadcaster across several age groups.
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