Czech TV Crisis Continues
The crisis at Czech Public Television has entered its 15th day, with no solution in sight. There is growing pressure on the station's controversial general director Jiri Hodac to resign and so open the way to dialogue. However, most political analysts agree that while Hodac's resignation might be a temporary solution to the problem, the main task ahead is a change of legislation which would protect public radio and television from any further attempts at political intervention.
The crisis at Czech Public Television has entered its 15th day, with no solution in sight. There is growing pressure on the station's controversial general director Jiri Hodac to resign and so open the way to dialogue. However, most political analysts agree that while Hodac's resignation might be a temporary solution to the problem, the main task ahead is a change of legislation which would protect public radio and television from any further attempts at political intervention.
Under pressure from the general public, on Wednesday the Czech government approved a new law on public broadcasting. If the law is approved, then nominations for the Czech Television Council, whose members are currently selected by political parties, will be proposed by independent organizations, and then selected by the Lower House of Parliament. Earlier, Daniela Lazarova asked political analyst Jiri Pehe, whether he thinks the proposed changes are a step in the right direction.
