Czech Government Faces Growing Pressure After Mass Protests Over Media Freedom

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief

PRAGUE/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš faced mounting pressure Wednesday after thousands of demonstrators rallied in central Prague against government plans to overhaul public broadcasting, amid warnings that the changes could threaten press freedom in the European Union nation.

The crowds appeared to number in the tens of thousands, according to an estimate based on aerial imagery reviewed by Worthy News, although no official attendance figure was immediately available.

These protests followed an unprecedented one-day strike Tuesday by employees of Czech Television and Czech Radio, who accuse the government of seeking greater political influence over public broadcasters by replacing independent license-fee funding with direct financing from the state budget.

Crowds gathered in Prague’s historic Wenceslas Square, where television and radio employees were joined by university students, artists and other supporters demanding that the government withdraw the proposed legislation.

BROADCASTERS GO ON STRIKE

Protests also occurred in other Czech cities, including Brno and Ostrava, reflecting growing opposition to plans that critics say could weaken two of the country’s most influential news organizations.

The industrial action disrupted television and radio programming, with Czech Television’s 24-hour news channel showing a darkened newsroom and presenters dressed in black.

Regular broadcasts were replaced in part by archived programs and shortened news bulletins, while radio stations reduced live programming and aired music and previously recorded material.

Under the government’s original proposal, existing broadcasting fees paid by households and businesses would be abolished, with Czech Television and Czech Radio instead receiving financing directly from the state budget.

BROADCASTING FUNDING AT STAKE

Czech households currently pay 205 crowns (about $10) monthly for public television and radio, or roughly $115 annually.

The proposed changes would reduce the broadcasters’ combined annual funding by approximately 15 percent, or 1.4 billion crowns ($66 million), to about 7.8 billion crowns ($370 million), according to European media organizations. Critics warn that the cuts could force layoffs, reductions in news coverage and the cancellation of programs.

Babiš, a billionaire businessman who returned to power leading a coalition with the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party and the Motorists, insists the reforms are intended to reduce financial burdens on households and businesses.

His government denies seeking to interfere with editorial decisions and argues that public broadcasting can be financed through alternative arrangements without compromising journalistic independence.

GOVERNMENT DENIES POLITICAL MOTIVES

Babiš has also floated a revised proposal under which broadcasting fees would become voluntary, with guaranteed funding for the broadcasters potentially coming from outside the state budget. Details of that arrangement remain unclear.

Journalists and opposition politicians fear that greater government control over funding decisions could expose broadcasters to political pressure and undermine their ability to scrutinize those in power.

“Such a funding model opens the door to political pressure and threatens editorial independence,” the European Federation of Journalists, Reporters Without Borders and other media organizations warned in a joint statement.

Opponents have drawn parallels with neighboring Hungary and Slovakia, where governments have faced criticism over changes affecting public broadcasting and media independence.

MEDIA INDEPENDENCE WARNINGS

Hungary’s former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, an ally of Babiš, was repeatedly accused by European institutions and press freedom organizations of weakening independent journalism during his 16 years in power before losing office in April.

In Slovakia, Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government has also faced criticism over changes to public broadcasting that opponents argue have increased political influence.

The European Commission is assessing the Czech authorities’ response to concerns about the proposed changes, although it has not concluded that the legislation violates European Union rules.

The legislation passed an initial parliamentary vote in October but remains subject to further debate, with Babiš indicating that amendments could still be considered. The changes are no longer expected to take effect in January 2027.

MORE PROTESTS PLANNED

University students are preparing another demonstration for November 10, while the civic movement Million Moments for Democracy has announced a larger rally for November 15 at Prague’s Letná Park.

The planned gathering comes shortly before the anniversary of the November 17, 1989, student demonstrations that helped trigger Czechoslovakia’s Velvet Revolution and the collapse of communist rule.

The dispute has become a test of the Czech government’s commitment to independent journalism, with protesters warning that the future of public broadcasting could depend on decisions taken in the coming weeks.