Slovakia’s Media Landscape in Flux: Government Tightens Grip on Broadcasters and Critics

In the wake of its actions towards the judiciary, the new Slovak government has shifted its focus to the media. The government is taking drastic measures to influence the reporting of public channels and private media outlets are also feeling the heat. Journalists at Slovakian broadcaster RTVS wore all black in protest against a proposed reform that would dissolve the institution and reorganize it under a new name, STVR. The government’s aim is 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 providing a diverse range of views in its reporting. The government’s plans to reshape the public broadcaster have faced widespread criticism and opposition from thousands of people who have protested against these reforms and the erosion of media freedom in the country. Despite making some changes to their initial proposals, concerns about media freedom continue to grow among Slovakians.

Fico’s government has also targeted private media outlets and journalists critical of the government, putting pressure on them. This has caused concern among journalists and media professionals in Slovakia. However, there is some optimism that Fico does not have as much control as leaders like Viktor Orban in Hungary. The situation in Slovakia is being closely monitored by media freedom advocates both within and outside of the country as concerns about press freedom continue to mount.