The Czech ruling coalition moved on Friday to fast-track legislation that would move public media financing into the state budget and cut funding, a plan critics say threatens press independence. The populist government, led by billionaire Andrej Babis and backed by a pro-Russian far-right party, has frequently attacked public and private media critical of its policies. The proposal, which had been flagged previously but was unexpectedly brought to a first parliamentary reading on Friday, would cut funding for Czech Television and Czech Radio by about 15%, possibly during next year. It would also scrap the licence fee system under which households pay 205 crowns ($9.44) a month and instead finance the broadcasters through the state budget. Critics say the changes would weaken the broadcasters and leave them more vulnerable to political influence. Czech Television is the country's most-watched broadcaster across the main age groups. In another unusual move, the lower house voted to...
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