Student marches to converge on central Prague for public-media protest

Students from Prague universities will march into the city center on Tuesday, Nov. 10, for a joint demonstration supporting Czech Television and Czech Radio.

The main protest begins at 4:36 p.m. on náměstí Republiky. Earlier gatherings will feature discussions, music and film screenings, with groups arriving from campuses across the capital.

The timing references the Chamber of Deputies’ first-reading approval of the government’s proposed public-media funding overhaul at 4:36 a.m. on Oct. 24.

The student initiative Vstávej, Techniko!, bringing together students from the Czech Technical University and the University of Chemistry and Technology, will gather at the Dejvice campus from 1:30 p.m.

Czech Television presenter Daniel Stach is expected to attend, and the program includes a performance by the band Kruh 19. Participants will leave at 2:30 p.m., marching via Letná toward náměstí Republiky.

Students from the Czech University of Life Sciences plan to meet at their Suchdol campus before setting off toward the center at 2 p.m. They will join the Dejvice procession.

At the Prague University of Economics and Business, students will gather at 1:30 p.m. to write letters to MPs, then leave for the square around 3:30 p.m.

Charles University faculties have separate programs. The Faculty of Social Sciences plans discussions and a film screening before a procession departing at 4 p.m.

The Faculty of Arts will hold debates, with its march scheduled to leave náměstí Jana Palacha at 3:55 p.m. Activities at Albertov will include discussions, screenings, competitions and a performance by student band Žužle.

Students from Prague’s arts universities are also expected to participate.

The demonstrations oppose the government’s proposal to abolish television and radio fees and finance ČT and ČRo through the state budget.

Critics argue that the change would threaten the broadcasters’ independence and financial stability. The legislation has passed its first reading but has not become law.

The government rejects claims that it is undermining public-service media. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš says the proposed funding change fulfills an election promise, while coalition representatives point to other European countries that operate without broadcast fees.

Tuesday’s events follow an all-day strike by ČT and ČRo employees on Nov. 3, supported by students and cultural institutions.

Further student demonstrations are planned outside Prague, including in Pardubice, Olomouc, Zlín, Plzeň, Brno and Ostrava.