Updated · Expats.cz - Latest news for Prague and the Czech Republic · May 6
Demonstrators rally in Prague for Czech public media independence
Updated
Updated · Expats.cz - Latest news for Prague and the Czech Republic · May 6
Demonstrators rally in Prague for Czech public media independence
14 articles · Updated · Expats.cz - Latest news for Prague and the Czech Republic · May 6
Tens of thousands filled Old Town Square on Tuesday, backing Czech Television and Czech Radio as Million Moments for Democracy led the protest.
Organisers said the rally responded to legislative debates over media oversight and fears of political influence over future public broadcasting content.
Earlier reports said critics oppose a government bill replacing licence fees with state funding; employees declared strike alert, a petition drew 175,000 signatures, and more protests are planned.
With a strong majority, will the Czech government ignore massive protests for media freedom?
Is the Czech Republic following Slovakia's playbook to control its public media?
Czech Public Rallies Against Proposed 15-20% Budget Cuts to Czech Television and Radio
Overview
On May 5, 2026, tens of thousands of Czech citizens protested in Prague against a government bill proposing to replace the public broadcasters' licence fee with direct state funding, including significant budget cuts for Czech Television and Czech Radio. This bill, led by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and Culture Minister Oto Klempíř, sparked strong opposition from employees who declared strike alerts, as well as from politicians threatening parliamentary obstruction and legal challenges. Critics also called on the European Commission to review the bill under the European Media Freedom Act. Following the protest, organizers announced further demonstrations to maintain pressure on the government amid ongoing coalition disagreements over the bill's approval.