Cities across the Czech Republic saw mass protests on Tuesday because of government plans to alter the funding of the country's public broadcasting network.
The government, headed by Prime Minister Andrej Babis, recently introduced a parliamentary bill that seeks to cancel the monthly fee of 205 Czech koruna ($9.48) paid by each household to fund the public broadcasting service, bringing an abrupt end to the debate over the issue, and causing a rushed vote.
Jakub Szanto, a reporter for the Czech TV channel, told Agence-France Presse the attempt to force the bill through without a proper debate was a "radical step", and added "we firmly hope the government will understand that when something's working, you don't have to change it".
In an unprecedented move, workers at public radio and television services joined the protest, with only repeated programs and shorter news bulletins broadcast, and a message on screen saying: "We are doing everything we can to ensure that we can continue to provide a public service in its full scope and quality in the future."
Critics of the government's proposal, which would result in a funding cut of around 15 percent, say it is an attempt to limit the independence of the trusted public broadcasting service.
"This proposal, if passed, will give the government coalition tools to politically influence the content of both public media," said strike committee member Jan Molacek.
Babis, however, insists there is no political agenda and it is purely down to a matter of financing. "None of what the people are protesting against ... is true," he said.
