Czech Coalition Rushes Public Media Funding Bill Through Overnight Vote Amid Press Freedom Fears

In an unusual overnight session, the Czech governing coalition moved a plan to change how public broadcasters are paid past its first stage in parliament. The bill was added to the agenda outside the planned schedule on Friday. Speaker Tomio Okamura of the SPD narrowed the debate and set the vote for 4:36 a.m. on Saturday, after which the coalition majority sent the text on to committees.

What the Government Plans to Change

Prime Minister Andrej Babis leads a populist government backed by the far-right SPD. His ministers say they want to drop the 205 crown monthly household fee, about $9.45, to lower living costs, and pay for broadcasting from the state budget instead. The draft would cut money for Czech Television and Czech Radio by roughly 15%, possibly from next year, and then freeze nominal funding for several years. Babis wrote on Facebook that no war on independent media or nationalization is being planned.

Media Independence Concerns and Criticism

Opposition parties liken the plan to the media overhaul carried out in Hungary under Viktor Orban. Critics say budget-based funding would leave broadcasters more exposed to political pressure. Czech Television is the most-watched channel across major age groups, and public media rank among the most trusted news sources in the country, based on a 2025 Reuters Institute survey. The European Federation of Journalists argues the bill clashes with the European Media Freedom Act, which calls for stable, predictable and adequate funding. Universities, the Catholic Church and international journalism groups have also objected.

Protests and Strike Planned

Hundreds gathered outside parliament, and some stayed through the night, with local media saying a few people tried and failed to get inside. A civic group called another protest for Sunday, while journalists and staff at the broadcasters announced a strike for Nov. 3.