DAMU declared a strike alert on 27 October 2026 and backed the strike of Czech Television and Czech Radio employees against the planned change in funding.
The Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (DAMU) declared a strike alert on 27 October 2026 in connection with the planned change in the funding of Czech Television and Czech Radio. The announcement was reported by the Czech News Agency.[1]
Position of the academic community
According to Novinky.cz, representatives of the DAMU academic community will join the strike of Czech Television and Czech Radio employees announced by the Veřejnoprávně initiative. According to the same source, the strike is to last a full day and affect the broadcasting of both media.[2] The employees' strike is set for 3 November 2026, according to the Czech News Agency.[1]
In a joint statement the previous weekend, representatives of the Academy of Performing Arts said they were following the debate on the future of both media with deep concern. They also stressed the freedom of artistic creation and the need for a diverse cultural scene, referring to the planned cuts. According to Novinky.cz, the DAMU Academic Senate called on Prime Minister Andrej Babiš to dismiss Minister of Culture Oto Klempíř.[2]
Background
The government wants to abolish licence fees and move the funding of Czech Television and Czech Radio to the state budget.[2] According to the Czech News Agency, the amendment reduces the amount of money the two media would receive next year. Government politicians, according to the same agency, say that there is no threat to media independence.[1]
Chronology
- — The Theatre Faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (DAMU) declared a strike alert, joining the strike action over the funding of Czech Television and Czech Radio, and fears for the independence of culture. ČTK / České noviny Novinky.cz
Sources
- ČTK / České noviny — 27 October 2026
- Novinky.cz — 27 October 2026