Czech Public Broadcaster Begins Warning Strike Over Funding Cuts

Employees of the Czech Republic's public television and radio have launched a 24-hour warning strike, protesting a government-backed funding reform they argue threatens the independence of the media. The proposed changes, spearheaded by the populist government led by Andrej Babis, aim to abolish the current citizen fee system and shift funding to the general state budget.

The reform, which is set to be debated in Parliament, includes a significant 14% budget cut for public broadcasting, effective January 1, 2027. Media executives have warned that this reduction, amounting to approximately 58 million euros, could necessitate substantial layoffs. Estimates suggest between 450 and 700 employees, out of a total staff of 4,250, could lose their jobs.

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The government of populists and Eurocrats, led by agro-industrial magnate Babis, approved a reform a week ago, in line with its electoral program, which will now be processed in Parliament and plans to abolish the citizen fees that finance the entities, which will depend directly on the general budgets.

Since the strike began at midnight, programming has been affected. Many broadcasts are starting with a minute of silence observed before the news, and some shows are experiencing slight delays. Viewers are being reminded of the strike's reasons throughout the broadcasts, with many participants wearing black attire.

Regional and digital radio stations are coordinating joint transmissions throughout the day, while some programs will adopt different formats or be shortened. The strike follows a protest march the previous day, organized by the NGO 'A Million Moments for Democracy,' which views the funding reform as a deliberate attempt by the government to exert control over public media.

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The reform foresees a reduction, when the law comes into force on January 1, 2027, of 14% in the budget of the public television and radio.