A Czech bill replacing public television and radio licence fees with state-budget funding cleared its first reading after overnight debate. Demonstrators gathered outside parliament, and the broadcasters’ employees announced a November 3 strike. Opposition politicians argue that the change threatens editorial independence. Further legislative stages remain before the proposed financing system can enter into force.
The Czech government’s proposal to replace public television and radio licence fees with state-budget funding cleared its first reading in the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of parliament, early on Saturday. The change concerns Czech Television and Czech Radio. Opposition efforts to reject the bill or return it to the government failed, leaving further parliamentary consideration ahead.[1], [2]
Hundreds of people gathered outside parliament on Friday to oppose the proposed changes. Demonstrators called for resignations and rang keys as the debate continued inside; a crowd remained into Saturday morning. Opposition leaders addressed the gathering. They argued that the government’s approach threatened public broadcasting’s independence, while police prevented demonstrators from entering the building.[1]
Veřejnoprávně, an initiative bringing together employees of Czech Television and Czech Radio, announced a strike for November 3. The initiative accused the government of trying to place the broadcasters under state control before the public could comment on the changes. A civic association also planned another demonstration for Sunday. The financing proposal still requires further legislative stages before it can take effect.[1]
