OMM Newsroom
Thousands of people protested over the weekend against the Czech government’s proposed legislation to abolish television and radio licence fees, as the government continued to pursue the plan, Anadolu Agency reported, citing local media.
Around 4,000 people gathered in Brno, the country’s second-largest city, on Saturday. A larger demonstration took place in Prague on Sunday, “Czech Radio” reported.
No official turnout figure was available, but the rally was reported to be a prominent display of public opposition to the proposed reform.
The bill passed its first reading in the lower house of parliament early Saturday. It would replace household licence fees with state funding for “Czech Television” and “Czech Radio”.
Critics warn the 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 is intended to reduce costs for households and has rejected claims that it would undermine media independence.
Employees of both public broadcasters have also called a one-day strike for Nov. 3 to protest the plan.
