Thousands protest and strike over Czech government's public media funding plan

politics protests

Thousands of people marched in Prague on Sunday to protest the Czech government's plan to overhaul the financing system for public media. The demonstrations focused on a decades-old system that critics argue is being dismantled to allow for political interference.

The government of Prime Minister Andrej Babis has been accused of attempting to take control over public broadcasters. The proposed overhaul would result in a 15% funding cut and provides no guarantees for continued future funding.

Critics contend that these budget reductions will compromise the independence of public media. As part of the protests, journalists and employees formed a human chain around the Czech public radio in Prague.

Czech public broadcasters stage warning strike over government plan to change funding

abcnews.com

Czechia: Thousands march in support of public media funding

dw.com

Thousands Protest Czech Plan to Overhaul Public Media Funding

bloomberg.com

Czechs rally against a government plan to overhaul the funding of public broadcasters

abcnews.com

Marchers in Prague protest government's public media funding changes

straitstimes.com