What the Czech Public Media Strike Means for Viewers, Listeners and Funding

The Czech public media strike spread beyond newsrooms on Tuesday. University students planned to march through Prague and other major cities to join rallies backing public radio and television, the Associated Press reported. The protest targets a government plan that would move broadcaster funding into the state budget and cut it by about 15%.

The one-day walkout, which Czech Television's chief news editor, Michal Kubal, called unprecedented in the history of Czech public service media, has drawn support from a wide range of groups. Opponents say the change could weaken the broadcasters' independence.

What audiences got instead of regular programming

Kubal said only limited programming would be broadcast on television, mostly archived items and shorter news bulletins. Viewers also saw an on-screen message saying the broadcaster was doing everything it could to keep providing a public service in full scope and quality in the future.

On Czech public radio, the morning consisted only of music. It was interrupted by a brief statement explaining why staff were striking and by a minute of silence.

Why it matters: what the funding change would mean in practice

Under the plan, public radio and television would be paid from the state budget. At present they rely on regular fees from individuals, households and businesses. According to AP, the broadcasters would receive about 15% less money than they do now.

For the public, AP said, that cut could likely lead to staff layoffs, limited production and program cancellations. Critics argue that budget funding would also give the government of the day more leverage over what the broadcasters produce.

Who is backing the strike

AP reported that labor unions, university deans, churches and international media organizations have backed the walkout. Hundreds of leading Czech athletes have urged the government to withdraw the proposed legislation.

A joint statement from the European Federation of Journalists, Reporters Without Borders and several other groups said the model “opens the door to political pressure” and threatens editorial independence.

The strike follows earlier street protests. One, titled “Hands Off the Media!” and organized by the Million Moments for Democracy group, drew people to Prague's Old Town Square on Oct. 25.

The political backdrop

The plan is led by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, a populist billionaire. AP noted that he has attacked public and other mainstream media in the past. He formed his governing coalition last year with two small groups known for extremist views. Their agenda includes reducing support for Ukraine and rejecting some key European Union policies.

Critics say the overhaul would give the three-party coalition the means to take control of the media. They compare it with the path of populist governments in Slovakia under Prime Minister Robert Fico and in Hungary before Viktor Orbán was ousted in April, according to AP. Those comparisons are claims made by the plan's opponents.

What to watch next

The strike was scheduled to last one day, and students were due to march later on Tuesday. The legislation has not been withdrawn, and the athletes' appeal and the broader campaign are aimed at getting the government to do so.

Earlier on Around Prague: Czech public TV and radio stage one-day strike

Around Prague, based on reporting by 巴士的報