On 15 May 2025, the employees of the public media BNT, BNR and BTA mobilised to demand adequate funding and decent salaries. This protest not only aims to ensure the survival of independent media, free from the influence of big financial powers, but also to defend public services that are essential to society. Public service media are a common good, like the health system and education. In this context, we at Conflict support them as workers and as a key element of the social infrastructure. Every employee deserves a fair wage, and public media should be seen as an essential resource for information and democratic participation.

Struggle for adequate funding of regional media in Bulgaria  

We interviewed a worker attending the protest who mentioned a funding problem that has been going on for years. According to her, their station’s budget has not been increased in a decade, despite the increasing responsibilities of journalists.

An increasingly demanding job  
Although the team is small, their workload has increased significantly. As well as producing TV shows, they also manage content for online platforms such as YouTube and Facebook. This diversification of tasks, with no increase in budget, has led to an overload of staff who often work late and even weekends to meet broadcast deadlines. “We have an uninterrupted schedule, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and we have to fill it. Regardless of unforeseen circumstances, we have to keep to the schedule and submit the production on time.”

Insufficient wages  
Another important aspect raised during the interview was related to wages. The representative revealed that the average salary of a reporter at their station is slightly above the minimum wage. With such low incomes, it is understandable that young journalists are turning to other sectors, especially technology, where salaries are more attractive. “The average salary is just above the minimum, around 1,65lv 0. After deductions, that leaves around BGN 1,200. How can one live on BGN 1,200? That’s why we haven’t attracted young people for more than 10 years.”

Uncertain future
The situation is even more worrying as the average age of journalists at their station is around 40. With a growing number of staff retiring, the lack of young recruits could lead to a shortage of qualified staff in the future. Although some trainees come to train, many quickly leave in search of better opportunities.

A call for action  
This situation has led workers to mobilize. During the recent protest, almost all of the radio and television employees were there to make their voices heard. Public institutions, while not perfect, represent a form of collective action and democratic opportunity. We can demand control over public broadcasting, but we have no power over private alternatives or social networks. Many of the protesters were told, ‘Why are you protesting, we pay your salaries’. Exactly. We, the workers, fund these media, so let us take back control and listen to the demands of those who work there.