00:01Czech public media workers went on strike and thousands rallied across the country on Tuesday over a government plan to
00:08change the way public broadcasting is funded.
00:11The plan is led by billionaire-turned-Prime Minister Andrzej Babis and has already seen street protests in recent months.
00:19The protesters fear the plan to switch from a license fee paid by individuals to direct financing from the state
00:25budget will enable the government to stifle media freedom.
00:28The coalition government, however, argues that the broadcasters need to cut costs and insists the plan will have no impact
00:36on editorial independence or program content.
00:39The media would receive about 15% less money than they do now, which could lead to staff layoffs, limited
00:46production and program cancellations.
00:48The plan has also drawn criticism from international organizations including the European Broadcasting Union, the European Federation of Journalists, Reporters
00:57Without Borders and the International Press Institute.
01:00Both Czech TV and Czech Radio reduced their programming on Tuesday with thousands of employees joining the protest.
01:07Newcast odontologists
01:10Newcast
