Thousands protested in Prague's main square against the funding of Czech public media from the state budget

Thousands protested in Prague against changes to public media funding after a controversial parliamentary vote. The new law would eliminate subscription fees, shifting funding to the state budget, raising concerns about political influence over media independence. Critics likened the proposal to Hungary's media system under Viktor Orbán. Organizers emphasized the importance of maintaining independent media during crises, warning that the changes could reduce funding by 1.4 billion crowns annually. Activist Mikuláš Minář stated the protest sent a clear message to the government about overstepping boundaries.