Bulgarian Public-Service Media Staffers Protest for Higher Wages

Jerusalem, 15 May, 2025 (TPS-IL) -- Sofia (BTA) – The employees of the Bulgarian Telegraphic Agency (BTA), Bulgarian National Television (BNT), and Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) protested in Sofia and across the country on Thursday. Under the slogan “Work in the media has value”, they demand a pay rise of at least 15%.

According to trade unions, the state budget resources needed for the increase amount to BGN 14 million ($8 million).

This includes BGN 3 million ($1.7 million) for BTA, BGN 6 million ($3.4 million) for BNT, and BGN 5 million ($2.8 million)for BNR.

In Sofia, the protesters blocked the junction in front of the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia in the city centre.

The three media outlets’ employees across the country protested as well, including in Varna, Blagoevgrad, Shumen, and Plovdiv.

The protest was backed by the Association of European Journalists in Bulgaria.

A previous protest for pay rise was held back in March.