Czech public broadcasters strike over government funding overhaul

On 22 June 2026 staff at Czech Television (ČT) and Czech Radio (ČRo) staged a 24‑hour warning strike to protest the government’s plan to replace the licence‑fee model with direct state‑budget financing from January 2027. The proposal, backed by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s coalition, would cut the broadcasters’ budgets by roughly 15 % – about CZK 1.4 billion – and remove the financial barrier that protects editorial independence.

Thousands of employees took part, dressing in black, forming human chains outside the Prague headquarters, and broadcasting programmes with a one‑minute delay, black screens and on‑screen banners explaining the protest. Unions and media watchdogs, including the European Federation of Journalists, warned that the change threatens the stability and independence of public media and could force layoffs of hundreds of staff.

The government argues the reform fulfills election promises and saves money, while opposition parties and civil‑society groups argue it opens the way for political interference. No immediate comment has been given by coalition ministers, and the strike may lead to further actions if the funding bill proceeds.