Czech public broadcasters stage warning strike over funding reform

Anchors dressed in black, delayed broadcasts and on-air moments of silence marked a warning strike on Monday at Czech public media over government plans to replace the license fee with direct state budget funding.

People take part in a protest in support of public service media outside Czech Television headquarters in Prague, on Sunday, June 21, 2026. On June 15, the Czech government approved a draft law that will replace public media funding from license fees with a state budget contribution.

EPA/MILAN BURES

Employees of Czech Television and Czech Radio fear the change would expose them to political pressure, as funding would depend on annual decisions by the government and parliament.

Staff representatives warn the reform could also lead to layoffs of between 450 and 700 of the roughly 4,000 employees at the two institutions.

Viewers noticed altered programming as shows began a minute late, presenters appeared in black attire, and the broadcasters' online services were scaled back. Czech Radio punctuated its regular programming with announcements explaining the strike, followed by a minute of silence.

Stávka v ČT začala.

Noční vysílání z Ostravy: pic.twitter.com/StgRFWiQiM

— Michal Kubal 🇨🇿 (@MichalKubal) June 21, 2026

The Cabinet of Prime Minister Andrej Babiš rejected accusations that the reform threatens media independence, arguing the funding change was a campaign pledge intended to simplify how broadcasters are financed.

The government also said that state budget funding for public media exists in some European Union countries and does not inherently undermine editorial autonomy.

(jh/gs)

Source: TVP Info