Czech Citizens Rally in Prague to Shield Public TV

In the heart of Prague, a crowd gathered on Tuesday, turning the Old Town Square into a stage for democracy. The protest was about keeping public broadcasters free from government interference. Officials had promised to end the licence fee that viewers pay each month, shifting all money into the national budget. That shift could lower the total funding for TV and radio stations that are meant to stay independent. The marchers held up flags and signs that read “Hands Off the Media. ” Organisers said tens of thousands joined, a crowd larger than usual for this tourist‑filled area. The demonstration was a reaction to plans that critics compare to media control moves in Slovakia and Hungary. Last year, Prime Minister Andrej Babis and his ANO party campaigned on ending licence fees.The fee had risen to 205 crowns (about $10) a month, the first hike in nearly twenty years. Babis has often criticised both public and private outlets that report on his political and business life. International watchdogs, such as Reporters Without Borders, warned that the new funding model could “pull the rug out” from under broadcasters. The government claims that independence will stay intact, with parliamentary boards and inflation‑adjusted budgets replacing the fee. The protest shows a clear divide: citizens want to protect media from political influence, while the government argues that cost savings and budget changes are fair. Whether the plan will succeed or fail remains to be seen, but Prague’s streets have spoken loud and clear.