Slovak Government Approves Controversial Broadcasting Law, Prompting RTVS Head to Resign

The Slovak government has approved a controversial overhaul of the country's public radio and television services, which critics say would result in the government taking full control of the media. The proposed changes would replace the current public broadcaster, RTVS, with a new organization called Slovak Television and Radio (STVR), whose director would be selected by a council nominated by the Culture Ministry and Parliament.

The plan was drafted by Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová, who represents the Slovak National Party, an ultra-nationalist member of the coalition government. The changes have been widely criticized by local journalists, the opposition, international media organizations, and the European Commission. Thousands have rallied in the capital to condemn the plan.

Populist Prime Minister Robert Fico, who is known for his tirades against journalists, claims the changes are necessary because RTVS is politically biased and "in conflict with the Slovak government." The current RTVS director has a parliamentary mandate until 2027.

Over 1,200 RTVS employees have signed a statement opposing the reform, expressing concerns that it will undermine the objectivity, independence, and truthfulness of public media. The final version of the law will create an "ethics commission" as an advisory body to the STVR council, instead of the initially proposed "programme board" that was criticized as a "censorship body".

Why this matters: The controversial broadcasting law in Slovakia has raised concerns about media freedom and government control over public media. The move is seen as part of a broader trend of populist governments in Central and Eastern Europe seeking to exert greater influence over the media landscape.

The Parliament, where Fico's coalition government has a majority, is expected to approve the changes in June. Critics worry that this move will lead Slovakia to abandon its pro-Western course and follow the direction of Hungary under populist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The new government has also halted arms deliveries to Ukraine, and thousands have protested against Fico's pro-Russian and other policies.

Key Takeaways

• Slovak govt approves controversial overhaul of public broadcaster RTVS.
• New org STVR to replace RTVS, with director selected by govt-nominated council.
• Overhaul criticized by journalists, opposition, EU as undermining media freedom.
• Populist PM Fico claims RTVS is biased, but over 1,200 staff oppose reform.
• Move seen as part of populist trend in CEE to exert control over media.