From next year, Czech public television and radio are set to be funded from the state budget, with a 15 per cent cut in funding. This government reform, introduced by Andrej Babiš, has sparked large-scale protests involving thousands of people in Prague, whilst local media workers are also preparing to go on strike.
On Sunday, 21 June, a mass rally in support of independent journalism took place in the centre of Prague.
Thousands of protesters gathered outside the Czech Public Television building to voice their opposition to the government’s media reform. This protest followed on from recent marches in the capital and regional centres across the country.
Today, 22 June, media workers are planning to launch a warning strike.
The cause of the discontent was the government’s plan, which was approved last week. Until now, public radio and television had been funded by special levies paid by individuals, households and businesses.