Slovakia’s government is under fire for its actions towards the judiciary, and as a result, it 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 pressure. In response to a proposed reform that would dissolve the Slovakian broadcaster RTVS and reorganize it under a new name, STVR, journalists at the station wore all black in protest. 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 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. Thousands of people 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. The pressure on private media is 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 the erosion of press freedom in the country.