Journalists and employees at Czech Television (CT) and Czech Radio (CRo) staged a one-day warning strike on Monday in Prague, protesting a government plan to overhaul the funding system for the country’s public broadcasters.
The action followed a large public demonstration a day earlier and marked the latest escalation in a growing dispute over proposed changes approved by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s government last week.
Critics argue the plan threatens the independence of the broadcasters by shifting their financing from public fees to direct state budget funding beginning next year.
Under the government proposal, Czech Television and Czech Radio would no longer be financed through fees paid by individuals, households and businesses.
Instead, funding would come directly from the state budget.
The plan would also reduce funding levels, leaving the broadcasters with approximately 15% less money next year.
Directors of both organizations have warned that the cuts would force them to lay off hundreds of employees, limit production and cancel programs.
Babiš has defended the proposal, saying the new model would be fairer to lower-income households and would encourage greater efficiency at the broadcasters.
However, opponents say direct state financing could increase political influence over editorial decisions.
Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders and other observers have criticized the proposal and expressed concern about its potential impact on public broadcasting.
Thousands of journalists and media employees took part in Monday’s protest.
Several television programs began with a one-minute delay accompanied by a countdown clock and explanatory message.
Online and social media services were also limited during the 24-hour action.
At Czech Television headquarters in Prague, hundreds of employees gathered outside the building, while Czech Radio staff formed a human chain around the broadcaster’s headquarters in the city center.
Many participants wore black and carried banners supporting media independence.
Organizers said additional actions are being prepared but did not provide further details.
The dispute has revived longstanding concerns over political influence in public broadcasting.
Opponents of the current plan point to earlier efforts to exert control over Czech public media, including a 2000 confrontation that triggered major public protests and ultimately led to strengthened protections for broadcaster independence.