Meanwhile in Czechia... 42/26
06.11.2026
Public Media Employees Go on Strike
On Tuesday, nearly all employees of public broadcasting in the Czech Republic went on strike. They were responding to the government’s plan to abolish license-fee-funded broadcasting and instead fund it through the state budget. Employees fear for their independence and that funding from the state budget could lead to dependence on and direct influence by the government. Other concerns include reduced funding—which could result in layoffs—and deteriorating working conditions.
During the strike, television and radio programming was limited throughout the day. Live programs were the exception; reruns dominated the schedule. In some cases, the websites were not updated with current reports.
The strike received support throughout the Czech Republic. Students, in particular, joined the protest. Many cultural institutions also participated. The Czech-German Cultural Days were partially affected as well. On Tuesday, all scheduled performances by the Schauspielstudio in Ústí nad Labem were canceled.
The government has already stated that it will not be dissuaded from its plans. However, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš announced that he would have an alternative examined in which broadcasting fees would be paid voluntarily.
The second reading in the parliamentary process is scheduled for January 15.
Czech Ice Hockey Association Boycotts Games Against Russia
The Czech men’s national ice hockey team has announced that it does not intend to play any games against Russia should Russia be readmitted to the World Championship. “No one should doubt our stance. From the very beginning, we have opposed the return of Russian national teams to international competitions under the current circumstances. We are in agreement with the federations of Finland and Sweden, as well as other federations, on this stance,” said Jan Černý, secretary general of the Czech Ice Hockey Association. The Czech Republic is thus the third major hockey nation—after Sweden and Finland—to speak out against playing games against Russia following the CAS ruling. Denmark, Norway, and Latvia also support this stance. Canada, one of the most successful hockey nations, is likewise considering this step.
The next Ice Hockey World Championship will take place in Germany, of all places.
First snow in the Czech mountains
Winter is setting in at higher elevations in the Czech Republic. The first snow has fallen in the Altvater Mountains, the Giant Mountains, and the Bohemian Forest. On Praděd (Altvater), the highest peak in the Altvater Mountains at 1,490 meters, meteorologists reported a snow cover of 15 centimeters. At the Wiesenbaude in the Giant Mountains, 12 centimeters were measured, and on the highest mountain in the Czech Republic, Sněžka in the Giant Mountains, the depth was 10 centimeters.
Due to the cold temperatures, the snow is expected to remain on the ground. However, no further precipitation is expected in the coming days.