The protest follows the Czech government’s fast-tracking of a bill to replace the license fee model for Czech Television (CT) and Czech Radio (CRo) with direct state budget funding. The right-populist coalition, led by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, approved the first reading of the legislation in a surprise overnight session, culminating in a vote at 4:36 a.m. on October 24. Under the proposal, which the government argues will increase efficiency and remove an “unfair tax,” funding for the broadcasters would be cut by approximately 15% in the first year.
Opposition parties, civil society organizations, and international watchdogs have condemned the measure, alleging it aims to undermine the independence of public broadcasters whose critical reporting has frequently criticized the governing parties. Analysts noted that while similar models in other European Union states include guarantees of long-term financial stability and editorial independence, the Czech proposal lacks such safeguards. CT and CRo staff warned that the reduced budget would necessitate programming and staff cuts.
The backlash has been immediate, with crowds picketing parliament through the night of the vote and multiple rallies occurring across the country. In early November, staff at CT and CRo called a strike, disrupting national TV and radio schedules. Vaclav Stetka of the European New School of Digital Studies described the budget cuts as “cultural vandalism,” while political scientist Otto Eibl of Masaryk University attributed the public outcry to the government’s “confrontational approach” and attempts to limit parliamentary debate.
Organizers anticipate a larger turnout than the spring demonstration, which drew more than 200,000 people. Event manager Robin Suchánek stated that more than 200 technicians and volunteers are preparing the site, which will be divided into 11 sectors, including dedicated areas for families and people with limited mobility. The site will feature 130 portable toilets and 13 large LED screens. Mikuláš Minář, head of Million Moments, estimated the event cost at 8 million crowns, with 5.5 million already raised.
Due to the expected crowd, Prague Public Transport Company (DPP) is implementing extra services. All metro lines will run with increased frequency from 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Temporary tram lines 40 and 44 will operate through the Letná area between 12:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Authorities advise against private car travel due to expected major traffic disruptions and temporary road closures. The ice rink on Letná Plain will have adjusted hours, remaining open from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday.
