Strike at Czech Television and Czech Radio ends, protest…

Strike at Czech Television and Czech Radio ends, protest supported by thousands of people

04.11.2026 07:02 HotInfo

The strike by employees of Czech Television and Czech Radio against the government's planned change to the funding of public-service media ended after 24 hours. The employees protested against the government's intention to abolish license fees and transfer the funding of both institutions to the state budget. irozhlas.cz ↗

The strike began shortly after midnight on November 3. The television studio remained mostly dark, presenters broadcast dressed in black, and programming was reduced. Employees of other cultural institutions and part of the public also joined the protest. lidovky.cz ↗

On Tuesday afternoon, thousands of people gathered at Wenceslas Square in Prague to support Czech Television and Czech Radio. The demonstration began at the symbolic time of 16:36 and was organized by the initiative Veřejnoprávně (Public Service). Participants demanded the preservation of the current funding system and the independence of public-service media. denik.cz ↗

Politicians, journalists, and other public figures joined the public debate. Journalist Karel Hvížďala warned that people must not give up on public protests. Political scientist Josef Mlejnek said the demonstrations could continue and expects their next significant peak on November 15. denikn.cz ↗

The government coalition approved the proposed funding change in the first reading on October 24. The political debate on the proposal will now continue, while representatives of public-service media and their employees insist on maintaining the license fees as the main source of funding. forum24.cz ↗

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