Czech students protest government plan to reduce public radio funding

Thousands of students have marched through the Czech capital to protest a government plan to overhaul and reduce public media funding.

Smaller protests also took place on Wednesday across the country.

The new coalition government, led by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, drafted the plan to eliminate fees paid by individuals and businesses to access public media.

Instead, media would rely entirely on the state budget.

Critics argue this could compromise outlets' independence.

Labor unions have threatened to strike if the legislation proceeds.

The International Press Institute has expressed concerns about weakening broadcasters' financial and editorial independence.