Czech students and Pirate Party rally to protect public broadcasters

Czech public broadcasters student protests Pirate Party media financing reform government media policy

On 25 April, students from more than 200 schools across the Czech Republic took to the streets for a minute‑and‑twelve protest, demanding the preservation of independent public‑service media. The demonstrators criticised the government’s plan to overhaul the financing of Czech Television (ČT) and Czech Radio (ČRo), arguing it threatens the autonomy of these institutions.

The Czech Pirate Party joined the demonstration. Party leader Zdeněk Hřib said, “Stávková pohotovost v ČT a ČRo je varování. Proto podporujeme zaměstnance veřejnoprávních médií, kteří brání své pracovní podmínky i nezávislost médií v této zemi.” Pirate MP Andrea Hoffmannová added that the proposed financing changes are “hazardem s veřejným prostorem” and could undermine democracy. The party called for immediate dialogue with unions, experts and opposition politicians, and urged the resignation of media minister Ján Klempíř.

Both articles report the coordinated protests and political backlash, highlighting a broader dispute over media independence in the Czech Republic.

Sources

Protesty i stávka. Kdo se chce zastat médií, není na co čekat [www.respekt.cz]

3 months ago

Piráti podporují stávkovou pohotovost ČT i ČRo. Na obranu veřejnoprávních médií chystají další kroky [www.pirati.cz]

3 months ago