Internal disputes at Czech TV following censorship allegations

Over a dozen Czech TV reporters have stood up for the head of the station’s news desk Zdeněk Šámal who may allegedly be sacked over claims of censorship. Sixteen news reporters signed a petition in support of Šámal following roumours that he was to be sacked for reportedly censoring news reports in favour of President Miloš Zeman and the Party of Citizens’ Rights –Zemanites. Emotions have been running high at Czech public television after two dozen news and currently affairs reporters sent a letter of complaint to the Czech Television Council claiming independent and impartial reporting was at stake and their bosses were bowing to political pressure. Sixty other employees have disclaimed the reports. The head of Czech public television Petr Dvořák has said he will get independent auditors to investigate the matter.