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Summary for: Brno students plan march and rally as public broadcasters strike TuesdayBrno will host a student march, a public rally and university protest activities Tuesday, Nov. 3, as employees of Czech Television and Czech Radio stage a daylong strike against proposed changes to their funding.
Students will gather at Zelný trh at 3:30 p.m. before marching to náměstí Svobody, where a rally organized by public media employees begins at 4:36 p.m. Musicians, academics and cultural figures will join workers from both broadcasters.
Several Brno universities have announced arrangements allowing students to participate, including excused absences at Masaryk University and time off at the city’s arts institutions.
Where and when to join
The student initiative Média nedáme MUNI will begin its gathering at Zelný trh with sign-making. Participants will then walk to náměstí Svobody accompanied by drumming and live music.
Organizers emphasize that they are acting as students and citizens, rather than speaking on behalf of Masaryk University as an institution.
The rally at náměstí Svobody is being organized by Veřejnoprávně, an initiative representing public broadcaster employees. Speakers will include television and radio workers, academics, scientists and members of Brno’s cultural scene. Performers announced for the event include Jiří Pavlica, Hana Ulrychová and Kvietah.
The protests oppose a government proposal to abolish television and radio license fees and fund both broadcasters through the state budget. The ANO, SPD and Motorists coalition advanced the bill through its first reading early Oct. 24.
Critics argue that the changes would threaten editorial independence and reduce funding. The government maintains that legally guaranteed state funding would provide greater stability and independence.
Universities make room for student protests
The nationwide Student Solidarity Committee has called an action-based warning strike for Tuesday, inviting activities such as performances, public readings and discussions.
Students at Brno University of Technology’s Faculty of Fine Arts will participate, with the dean granting students the day off. Janáček Academy of Performing Arts has announced time off from 2 p.m. for those joining the action.
Masaryk University said Friday that it would excuse teaching absences for students participating in the protests. Its leadership described independent public service media as a pillar of democracy and affirmed students’ right to choose their forms of civic engagement.
Students at the university’s law faculty also issued a statement supporting the protests, backed by the student chamber of its academic senate.
Mendel University’s student representatives support attendance at the afternoon rally but were still considering whether to formally join the warning strike, according to student chamber chair Daniel Taraba.
