Government’s Control over Slovak Media: A Step Towards Dissolution or a Slippery Slope?

The new Slovak government is taking radical steps to influence the media after its actions towards the judiciary. The government’s focus is on controlling public channels and private media outlets are also feeling the pressure. Journalists at RTVS, a Slovakian broadcaster, wore all black to show their resistance against a proposed reform that would dissolve the institution and reorganize it under a new name, STVR. The government aims to have more control over the station and its reporting, with plans to replace the current general director with someone more favorable to the government.

The government’s culture minister, who is aligned with left-wing populist leader Robert Fico, has criticized RTVS for not allowing a variety of views in its reporting. The reforms have been met with widespread criticism and opposition from thousands of people who protested against them. Despite this, concerns about media freedom continue to grow among the population as some changes have been made to their initial proposals.

Fico’s government has also targeted private media outlets and journalists critical of the government, causing concern among journalists and media professionals in Slovakia. However, there is some optimism that Fico does not have the same level of control as leaders like Viktor Orban in Hungary. As such, the situation in Slovakia is being closely watched by media freedom advocates both domestically and abroad as concerns about erosion press freedom in the country persist.