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Thousands protest in Prague as public media staff strike

Published

Czech public television and radio workers held a one-day strike on Tuesday against a government plan to cut media funding by 15% and move it to the state budget. The strike also led to broadcast curbs.

Thousands of people rallied in Prague, including on Wenceslas Square, and in other Czech cities. The coalition also wants to cancel the monthly household broadcasting fee of 205 crowns ($9.43). The bill passed a preliminary vote last month and awaits more debate in parliament.

Jan Molacek, a Czech TV reporter and strike committee member, said the plan would give the coalition tools to influence the content of both public media. Critics said it would cut the link between the media and paying viewers and expose funding to political pressure. Opposition parties compared the changes to reforms in Hungary under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Prime Minister Andrej Babis said on Monday that the government was keeping a promise to ease the financial burden on the public. He denied that the government wants to control public media or that democracy is at stake.

Key facts

Who
Andrej Babis (Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, billionaire, leads government backed by…); Jan Molacek (Czech TV reporter and member of the strike committee); Alena Jechova (student, 23, protester); Viktor Orban (former Hungarian Prime Minister)
What
Czech public broadcasting workers staged a one-day strike and thousands protested against the government's plan to cut public media financing and shift it to the state budget, which workers say threatens independence. The strike led to broadcast curbs. The bill passed a preliminary vote last month and awaits further parliamentary debate.
When
3 November 2026
Where
Prague, Czech Republic, Wenceslas Square
Status
Reported

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