“We will not stay silent; we will not give up” was the message from today’s protest gathering of Croatian Radiotelevision employees.
Today, people from all parts of HRT gathered—journalists, editors, technicians, musicians, camera operators, sound engineers, and producers—all those who, through their daily work, knowledge, and dedication, create the content of the public media service. We did not gather out of nostalgia or anger; we gathered because we feel responsible and know this institution can and must be better.
We came to show that we are here, will not stay silent, and that HRT still has people who know how to make quality programs and understand what a public service must be: independent, professional, diverse, and accessible to all. It should be a space for creation, public speech, art, knowledge, and dialogue. That is exactly why we refuse to stay silent while those values are systematically dismantled.
We dispute the approach to the cuts, which fails to distinguish between unnecessary and essential. The “consolidation plan” tries to convince us that an orchestra can play without violas and that a program can be produced without editors and camera operators.
We gathered to bid a dignified farewell to colleagues who are leaving—not because they found better jobs, but because they can no longer bear the poor management and the atmosphere of fear. Many colleagues are leaving not because better opportunities await them but because they can no longer endure the uncertainty, the disregard for expertise, and the erosion of professional standards. They were seen off with long, heartfelt applause—a gesture of respect, sorrow, and defiance.
They did not come to stand in silence but to raise their voices together and say, “HRT is a public good, and we will not give it up without a fight.” The people who, for years—often under difficult conditions—have kept HRT’s production and programming systems alive made it clear today that they will no longer accept silence, marginalization, and the ignoring of professional voices.
The participants expressed their support for colleagues who are now leaving—not for better prospects, but because their endurance has reached a limit. One of the most emotional moments was the farewell speech of long-time presenter and announcer Helena Knezić, who said goodbye to HRT and her colleagues.
“I leave with sorrow but not defeated. This organization, despite everything, still has people, heart, and soul. No matter how much they try to silence or diminish us, our presence, our knowledge, and our dedication speak louder than any strategy or plan. I believe in you; I believe you will stay and protect what HRT is and what it must remain—a home of professional, public, and truthful journalism.”
The protestors clearly articulated their opposition to the so-called “Consolidation Plan”—a document adopted without genuine public debate and without acknowledging the actual context and mission of HRT, despite extensive professional criticism. As they emphasized, the plan offers no real reform but rather administrative downsizing that fails to recognize the complexity and value of public media. Instead of strengthening content, infrastructure, and the people who make it all possible, the plan frames essential professionals as a financial burden—and in reality, has no vision for what HRT should be after these layoffs.
The message is clear: this is not the end. Further actions are being planned, and today’s gathering has clearly awakened new energy and solidarity among colleagues—even among those who, until now, remained quiet but who now feel there is no more room for passivity.
They will not allow HRT to be reduced to a pale shadow of what a public service must be. They will not remain silent while orchestras are dismantled, editorial teams are downsized, and educational and cultural programs are shut down. They will not accept a model of austerity that doesn’t save money but erases public value.
Croatia’s public media service employees declared that HRT does not belong to the political majority or consulting firms. It belongs to the public.
In the coming days, HRT employees and union representatives will continue to organize and build cooperation with professional and cultural associations and pursue public advocacy for preserving HRT as an independent multimedia and cultural institution in service of citizens.
Today, they gathered to send a message. Tomorrow, they will continue because they know what they’re fighting for: the right to do their jobs with dignity, professionalism, and in the public interest.