Czech coalition to debate public media funding overhaul

The Czech governing coalition will discuss a controversial public media bill on May 25, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) says. The proposal would replace licence fees with direct state funding for Czech Television and Czech Radio. Critics, including opposition parties, media experts and the broadcasters themselves, warn this could weaken editorial independence by making public media financially dependent on the government. Staff at both organisations entered strike readiness last month in protest. Babiš says coalition partners will first review comments submitted during consultations, after which the bill may go to government. He also promised a public debate with the heads of both broadcasters.