Thousands of Czech citizens demonstrated in Prague against proposed government reforms to public broadcasting funding. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s government plans to replace the current license fee system with state funding, raising concerns about potential political interference and reduced budgets. Public broadcasters CT and CRO warn the changes could lead to job losses, potentially impacting between 450 and 700 employees out of a workforce of over 4,000. Demonstrators fear the reforms will compromise the independence of the media, echoing concerns about similar actions taken in Hungary under Viktor Orbán. Babiš maintains the funding level may decrease but denies any intention of political control. Public broadcasting staff expressed their gratitude for the public support and are actively protesting the proposed changes. The move is part of a coalition agreement with far-right parties to address public broadcasting finances.