Populist Czech government pushes through media funding changes

AI Summary

The Czech ruling coalition has advanced proposed changes to public media funding through an initial parliamentary vote, despite criticism that the measures could undermine broadcaster independence. Opposition parties have compared the proposals with media reforms in Hungary, while the government has frequently accused media outlets of bias.

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...