Key facts
- Thousands of Czech public service media employees are striking.
- The strike is scheduled for 24 hours.
- The protest is against a government plan to overhaul media funding.
- The proposed change involves shifting funding from license fees to state budget allocations.
- Critics fear significant budget cuts.
- Critics fear increased political interference.
Employees of Czech public service media are participating in a 24-hour strike to voice their opposition to a government-initiated overhaul of their funding model. The proposed legislation seeks to transition the financing of public media from the current system of license fees to direct allocations from the state budget. This shift has raised significant concerns among media professionals and watchdog groups, who fear it will result in substantial budget cuts. Furthermore, critics worry that direct state funding will open the door to increased political interference in the editorial operations of public service media, potentially compromising their independence and impartiality. The strike aims to draw public attention to these potential negative consequences and pressure lawmakers to reconsider the proposed changes.