In Prague, tens of thousands of people rallied against the transfer of public television and radio to the state budget.
The rally was held in Letna Park in Prague on November 15. According to various estimates, tens of thousands of people participated in it, up to about 400 thousand, as the organizers said. People are protesting against the plans of Andrei Babish's government to abolish the mandatory subscription fees, which are now the main source of public television and radio, and transfer them to funding from the state budget. According to the project, in the first year the funding will be reduced by about 15%.
Broadcasters fear they will be at the mercy of annual government and parliamentary decisions, leaving journalists vulnerable to political pressure. Babis said he is ready to discuss funding options with the opposition and members of the public.
At the beginning of November, the broadcasters staged a one-day strike, which resulted in broadcasting restrictions. On October 25, a demonstration was held in Prague, in which hundreds of people participated.