Populist Czech government pushes through media funding changes

In a rare overnight vote, the Czech ruling coalition pushed public media funding changes through a first parliamentary hurdle despite criticism that they could weaken broadcaster independence.

The populist government of billionaire Prime Minister Andrej Babis, backed by the far-right SPD party, ‌has frequently criticised public and private media coverage of its policies and accused some outlets of bias.

Opposition parties have compared the proposed changes with reforms in Hungary under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who oversaw a major expansion of pro-government media.

The government says it is scrapping the 205 crown (US$9.45) monthly household broadcasting fee to ease costs for consumers. Funding would instead come from ⁠the state budget.