Thousands oppose Czech government's plan to overhaul public media funding

By Ilayda Cakirtekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - Thousands of people protested against the Czech government's proposed legislation to abolish television and radio license fees over the weekend while the government continued to press for the decision, according to local media on Monday.

Around 4,000 people gathered in Brno, Czechia's second-largest city, on Saturday, while a larger demonstration took place Sunday in Prague, Czech Radio reported.

Although no official turnout figure was available, the rally reportedly marked a prominent show of public opposition to the proposed reform.

The bill, which passed its first reading in the lower house of parliament early Saturday, would replace household license fees with state funding for Czech Television and Czech Radio.

Critics warn that the proposed changes could weaken the broadcasters' financial stability and editorial independence by making them more dependent on government decisions.

The government, led by Prime Minister Andrej Babis, says the reform aims to reduce costs for households and has rejected claims that it would undermine media independence.

Employees of both public broadcasters also called a one-day strike for Nov. 3 in protest against the plan.

İlayda Çakırtekin