In the Czech Republic, television and radio workers have gone on strike over changes to media funding
In the Czech Republic, employees of Czech Television (ČT) and Czech Radio (ČRo) held a warning strike on Monday to protest a government initiative to change the public media funding system.
The action was a response to the government’s plan to abolish the television and radio license fee and transfer funding for ČT and ČRo to the state budget.
Shortly after midnight, viewers were informed of the strike during a broadcast on ČT24 and assured that programming would continue as much as possible.
News broadcasts and some programs are starting with a delay, and a black screen with a countdown clock and explanatory text is temporarily displayed. This is presented as a symbolic “minute of silence for the stability and independence of Czech Radio and Czech Television.”
Employees, including presenters, came to work dressed in black and called for support for the action under the slogan: “For you. Not for politicians.”
The strike organizers state that the protest does not violate the law and does not interfere with the media’s public service mission. The action is supported by labor unions and was initiated by employees of both broadcasters.
The conflict stems from a government bill that calls for the elimination of subscription fees and a shift to budget funding, as well as a roughly 15%cut to the institutions’ budgets. Employees estimate that this could lead to the layoff of 450–700 staff members.
ČT and ČRo believe that such changes could undermine the financial stability and independence of the media, as well as reduce the scope of public broadcasting. At the same time, the government states that the reform is aimed at fulfilling campaign promises and saving money, and emphasizes that it does not threaten media independence.
Protests are continuing in Prague, particularly near the Czech Radio buildings and the Czech Television news center. Yesterday, a rally attended by several thousand people was also held in the city in support of public media.
ČT24 reports this.
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