Czech Radio staff holding 24-hour strike Monday

Staff at national public broadcaster Czech Radio, which includes Radio Prague International, are holding a 24-hour strike from midnight on Sunday.

Employees are opposed to a government plan to end the current license fee funding system and place the station directly under the state budget. This will bring about a significant cut in Czech Radio’s budget, while critics say it may also lead to political pressure and interference.

The government’s bill also concerns Czech Television and its staff are taking similar action on Monday. On Sunday afternoon an estimated several thousand supporters of the station gathered in front of its main building to protest against the planned changes.