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Czech Coalition Approves Media Funding Overhaul Amid Protests

By Drooid · Oct 26, 2026, 10:51 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Czech protesters gathered in Prague to block a public-media funding overhaul.
Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s coalition approved the draft at 4:36 a.m. in the lower house.
The bill would replace licence fees with state-budget money, cutting media budgets about 15 percent.
Critics warn the change could let the coalition control the media, citing Hungary and Slovakia.
Opposition parties said they will contest the law in the constitutional court.

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Story summary

Czech protesters gathered in Prague to block a public-media funding overhaul.
Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s coalition approved the draft at 4:36 a.m. in the lower house.
The bill would replace licence fees with state-budget money, cutting media budgets about 15 percent.
Critics warn the change could let the coalition control the media, citing Hungary and Slovakia.
Opposition parties said they will contest the law in the constitutional court.