60,000 signatures in just a few hours! Million Moments for Democracy has launched a signatory appeal in support of public service media and is planning a protest march.
On Tuesday evening, 21 April, Million Moments for Democracy began collecting signatures for an appeal titled Ruce pryč od médií (Hands Off Public Service Media). Within less than the first full day, tens of thousands of people have already signed the appeal.
The primary demand is that politicians do not alter the funding system for Czech Television and Czech Radio and withdraw the bill for their nationalisation. This is because, in a democratic society, the media do not belong in the hands of politicians.
Furthermore, on Tuesday 5 May, Million Moments is planning the first in a series of protest actions in Prague: a large march in defence of public service media. It will begin at 17:30 at Old Town Square, from where the march will head towards the Czech Radio building. Further actions will follow across the Czech Republic over the coming weeks. These will continue until politicians withdraw the controversial bill.
One of the key messages from the recent rally at Letná was the promise that if politicians attempt to seize control of Czech Television and Czech Radio, we will not just stand by. That time has come.
The Babiš government has decided to steal Czech Television and Radio from the citizens and seize full control of them. Without any discussion, they want to destroy a funding system that has functioned for decades and guaranteed the independence of these media outlets. Even before the proposal to change the funding system is passed, they intend to weaken the Czech Television and Radio broadcasters by stripping them of a significant portion of their budget. Unexpectedly, overnight, via an accelerated parliamentary motion. The experiences of Hungary and Slovakia show that if they succeed, it will lead to the de facto liquidation of the independence of these media. This is absolutely unacceptable.
That is why we have published this signatory appeal and are starting to organise protest actions. The greater the public pressure on politicians, the more likely they are to abandon the destruction of the media. And if they do not, they will pay a heavy price. We will ensure that everyone learns about their actions.
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Million Moments for Democracy is a civil society organization that supports democratic values, responsible governance, and active citizenship in the Czech Republic. It promotes space for open dialogue, respect, and justice. Its activities range from public assemblies and educational programmes to supporting civic engagement. It connects people who care about a free and fair society and creates a space for discussion and the collective search for solutions.
For more information contact:
Petra Kawiková Pojerová
European Partnership Advisor