Safeguarding Public Media
Thousands Protest Czech Government's Public Media Funding Plan, Fearing Loss of Independence
Key Points
Million Moments for Democracy organizer Mikuláš Minář told protesters: “The media don’t belong to politicians. They belong to us all and we won’t allow them to be stolen from us.”
Protesters staged the rally outside the offices/headquarters of Czech Television in Prague, timed for a warning strike by Czech Television and Czech Radio staffers planned for the following day.
The Associated Press reported that Babiš, members of his government, and “loyal lawmakers” have a “record of attacks” against public and other mainstream media—used by protesters to argue the reforms could increase political leverage over broadcasters.
In addition to media funding, AP noted Babiš’ coalition agenda includes “steering the country away from supporting Ukraine and rejecting some key EU policies,” providing broader political context cited alongside fears for media independence.
Thousands of Czechs rallied in Prague on June 20 outside Czech Television's headquarters to oppose a government plan to scrap the current license-fee model for public media. The proposal, backed by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, would replace the 135 CZK-per-month household TV fee and 45 CZK-per-month radio fee with direct state budget funding starting in 2027. Associated Press reported that Babiš and his allies have a "record of attacks" against public and mainstream media — fueling fears the change is less about saving money and more about control.
Broadcaster employees are preparing a 24-hour warning strike. Media leaders warn the switch would mean roughly a 15% cut in resources, up to 600 job losses, and major reductions in original programming. Organizer Mikuláš Minář of Million Moments for Democracy told the crowd: "The media don't belong to politicians. They belong to us all and we won't allow them to be stolen from us."
How the Funding Switch Would Hit Broadcasters Hard
Under the current system, Czech Television runs on roughly 7.5 billion CZK per year. The proposed state budget model would deliver about 6.3 billion CZK — a 16% drop. Czech Radio faces a similar cut, from 2.3 billion to 2.0 billion CZK annually, Associated Press reported. Media leaders say there are no long-term funding guarantees built into the plan.
Czech Television Director General Jan Souček called the reform a blow to investigative journalism. Czech Radio Director General René Zavoral warned it would create a "hand-to-mouth existence" that makes long-term cultural programming impossible. Both directors say the cuts could force between 450 and 600 layoffs and the cancellation of regional news bureaus, leaving rural areas with less local coverage, according to Lancaster Online.
Protesters Draw Comparisons to Hungary and Slovakia
Critics of the plan say it mirrors what happened in Hungary and Slovakia, where license fees were abolished and public media quickly fell in line with government talking points. International rights groups have backed that concern. Reporters Without Borders warned that "financial strangulation is a preferred tool for illiberal leaders to silence dissent." The European Broadcasting Union issued a formal warning in early June that the Czech plan lacks "long-term stability and protection from political whim," according to Voice of Alexandria.
A June 2026 poll by STEM/MARK found that while 45% of Czechs support scrapping the fee to cut household costs, 58% are "deeply concerned" that state funding will lead to government censorship. The protest in Prague drew on a historical memory too — the TV Crisis of 2000–2001, when citizens successfully fought off political appointments to the Czech Television board, according to Head Topics.
Babiš Calls It Saving Money, Not Grabbing Power
Babiš has pushed back hard against the protest framing. He argues the current license fee is a "regressive tax" on families already squeezed by inflation. "The media need to save money like every other household," he said. Finance Minister Martin Kolář added that state funding allows for "better oversight of taxpayer money." AJC noted that Babiš's coalition agenda also includes pulling back support for Ukraine and rejecting key EU policies — context protesters cited to argue the media reforms fit a broader political pattern.
Pro-government outlets have framed the protests as "theatrical performances by a privileged urban elite" forcing rural families to pay for content they do not watch. But independent outlets like Hospodářské noviny counter that the 135 CZK monthly fee is a "small price for freedom," according to Yahoo Finance.
Strike Looms as EU Prepares Possible Legal Challenge
Union leaders at Czech Television and Czech Radio declared strike readiness on June 15 after talks with the Ministry of Culture broke down. A 24-hour warning strike involving broadcast blackouts of non-essential programs was scheduled for June 22, according to Lancaster Online. If the strike draws broad public support, the opposition may seek a vote of no confidence — though Babiš's coalition currently holds a slim parliamentary majority.
The European Commission is expected to examine whether the reform violates the European Media Freedom Act's requirements for stable, independent broadcaster funding. A finding against the Czech government could trigger a freeze on EU cohesion funds — a penalty Brussels has already applied to Hungary in a similar dispute, Voice of Alexandria reported.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativePublishers
15
Articles
129
Reach
144
