Czech Republic advances media funding overhaul despite criticism

Journalists prepare to strike as politicians push through changes that critics say threaten independence.Published On 24 Oct 202624 Oct 2026The Czech Republic’s governing coalition has advanced changes to the funding of public media, despite criticism that it could weaken broadcaster independence.In a rare overnight vote in the early hours of Saturday, the coalition voted to send the bill to committees for further discussion.Recommended Stories list of 2 itemslist 1 of 2‘Orban constantly vetoes’: Europe braces for Hungary electionlist 2 of 2Czech public media staff strike, citing government threat to independenceend of listThe changes include scrapping the 205 crown ($9.45) household broadcasting fee, and replacing it with funding from the state budget.The populist government of billionaire Prime Minister Andrej Babis, backed by the far-right SPD party, has frequently criticised public and private media coverage of its policies and accused some outlets of bias.Babis promised to scrap the broadcasting fee before taking office last December, and says his three-party government is now fulfilling that pledge to voters.Public media employees staged a strike against the move in June, say...