Embattled Czech TV boss quits

PRAGUE, Czech Republic -- Jiri Hodac, the embattled new director of public Czech Television, has resigned on health grounds, he said in a statement.

The resignation on Thursday comes amid mounting pressure from staff whose allegations of political bias gained widespread public sympathy.

A demonstration planned for Thursday evening is set to go ahead in Prague's main square in an effort by protesters to secure further demands.

Hodac said in a statement, read out by one of his deputies: "On the basis of conversations today with my doctor...I unfortunately had to accept the conclusion that at this moment I cannot perform the job in the position to which I was legally elected."

Hodac was in hospital for several days last week, reportedly suffering from exhaustion.

He was chosen last month by the Czech Television Council -- dominated by nominees of the two main parties, the ruling Social Democrats and their opposition allies, the centre-right Civic Democrats (ODS).

The station's staff refused to accept the appointment, saying Hodac would interfere with their editorial independence and favour the two parties, mainly the ODS of ex-premier Vaclav Klaus.

The party and Hodac denied having any links.

A vast majority of the public and President Vaclav Havel supported the journalists, with thousands expected to take to the streets in a demonstration planned for later on Thursday.

An estimated 100,000 turned out for a rally last week.

Both houses of parliament also called on the director to quit.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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Czech Republic
Czech TV

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