University students demonstrate in support of Czech public-service media

University students demonstrated in Prague and other Czech cities, including Olomouc, Zlín and Pardubice, on Tuesday in support of Czech Television and Czech Radio. The main Prague rally began at 4:36 p.m. at Republic Square, following marches from several university campuses.

The protests were a response to the government's plans to abolish radio and television licence fees and transfer public-service media funding to the state budget. Students at several Prague universities organised gatherings and marches, while others wrote letters to MPs urging them to support the broadcasters.

The government says the changes fulfil a campaign promise, but opposition parties warn that transferring funding to the state budget could threaten the independence of Czech Television and Czech Radio.