Czech public media workers strike against proposed funding changes
Workers at Czech public radio and television staged a warning strike on Monday, forming a human chain around the radio building in Prague, protesting the government's plan to overhaul the funding model, which critics argue threatens media independence.
Employees of Czech public media launched a warning strike on Monday in protest of the government's plan to reform the financing system for public radio and television. During the strike, journalists and other staff dressed in black formed a human chain around the public radio headquarters in Prague, symbolically protecting the building. Some broadcasts were delayed by a minute, and online and social media services were restricted for 24 hours. Organizers stated that further protest actions are being prepared, but did not provide details.
Last week, the government approved a plan to abolish the mandatory fee paid by individuals, households, and companies for access to public media. Instead, public media would become fully dependent on the state budget. Critics argue this would jeopardize the independence of these outlets. The plan also includes significant budget cuts—a 15% reduction this year. Directors of public radio and television have stated that this would lead to hundreds of layoffs, as well as restrictions or cancellations of programs. The strike comes amid broader protests in the Czech Republic over concerns about threats to media independence.
