Czech politicians tackle TV crisis

PRAGUE, Czech Republic -- Czech political leaders are meeting in an attempt to solve the crisis gripping the country's state television station.

Staff at Czech Television are striking in support of some journalists who are occupying the newsroom in protest over the appointment of a new director-general, who, they say, will take a pro-government line.

They are broadcasting "pirate" news reports as they demand the resignation of Jiri Hodac.

Journalist Bruce Konviser told CNN that political backing for Hodac was shrinking and instead there was growing support for the journalists.

He said there had been no authorised newscasts for a week, which broke the broadcasting regulations covering the station's output.

The station was also losing "hundreds of thousands of dollars" in advertising revenue, Konviser said.

The journalists living a siege-style existence are being provided with food from supporters and had enjoyed watching videos like the "Full Monty" over the Christmas period, but now they face new restrictions, even over access to the bathroom.

The journalists say Hodac has political links to the Czech Republic's Civic Democratic Party (ODS) and would interfere with news. Hodac denies any bias.

Jan Molacek, a protesting Czech television spokesman, said the new director had been appointed in less than a week.

He alleged "concrete evidence" had been discovered to show "political influence" had been applied.

President Vaclav Havel has publicly backed the protestors and more than 100,000 people have signed a petition supporting them.

Hodac was chosen by the Czech TV Council, dominated by nominees of the ODS, with which the staff accuse Hodac of being linked to, and the ruling Social Democrats.

The two parties have a power sharing pact, under which the ODS keeps the minority cabinet afloat in return for various concessions.

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Czech Television
Czech Republic

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