The Slovak government has shifted its focus to the media after taking actions towards the judiciary. In response, the government is implementing radical measures to influence the reporting of public channels, while private media outlets are also feeling the pressure. 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 aims to have more control over the station and its reporting by replacing the current general director with someone more favorable to them.
The culture minister, aligned with left-wing populist leader Robert Fico, has criticized RTVS for not allowing a variety of views in its reporting. The government’s plans to reshape the public broadcaster have been met with 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 the population.
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. The situation in Slovakia is being closely watched by media freedom advocates both in the country and abroad as concerns continue to mount about
