Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has called on the media to avoid taking information out of context, manipulating public opinion and engaging in personal attacks.
In a statement following Monday’s press conference, the prime minister said the appeal was addressed to editors-in-chief of Czech media outlets regardless of their ownership structure or editorial focus. He stressed that it is their responsibility to ensure that the media apply the same high standards to themselves as they demand of politicians.
In early October, editors-in-chief published a statement criticizing the ruling parties’ frequent attacks against the free press, protesting against restrictions to access to information for some media outlets and stressing that free media are an important part of a democratic society.