Czech TV and Czech Radio to strike next Monday against proposed public media funding plan

Czech Television and Czech Radio have confirmed strike action next Monday to protest against a government proposed amendment to the law which would abolish license fees and leave the national broadcasters dependent on funding from state coffers. Under the proposal, which the cabinet approved on Monday, Czech Television would lose a billion crowns annually, Czech Radio roughly 350 million.

The heads of the two institutions have warned of far-reaching consequences of the funding overhaul, saying they would be forced to cut up to 700 jobs and significantly restrict operations.

The head of Czech television Hynek Chudárek  described the plan as unacceptable and "almost destructive" for public-service broadcasting, while adding that there is still room for negotiations.

Czech Radio is also striving to maintain the status quo, saying that the system of license fees is the best guarantee of media independence.