The Czech Republic’s new government, composed of the populist ANO party and far-right allies, has outlined plans to overhaul public media infrastructure, sparking widespread concern. Critics warn that these reforms could threaten media autonomy and reshape the country’s information landscape. The coalition’s approach has drawn attention from both domestic and international observers.
The ANO party, which won the most votes in the recent general election, has positioned itself as a center-right force, but its alliance with far-right parties has raised questions about the government’s ideological direction. The proposed media reforms include measures to consolidate public broadcasting entities, potentially reducing the diversity of voices in the media sector.
Industry experts have expressed alarm over the potential consequences, citing concerns about self-censorship and the influence of political figures on editorial decisions. The reforms could also affect the financial sustainability of public media outlets, which rely on government funding. International media watchdogs have called on the Czech government to ensure transparency and protect the freedom of expression in its media reforms.