The Slovak government has approved a controversial overhaul of state TV and radio that has raised concerns about media censorship. Populist Prime Minister Robert Fico claims the changes are necessary because the public broadcaster, RTVS, is politically biased and in conflict with the government. The proposed changes would replace RTVA with a new organization, Slovak television and radio (STVR). Slovakia’s parliament, where Fico’s coalition government has a majority, is expected to approve the changes in June. The takeover plan was drafted by Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová, who represents the Slovak National Party, an ultra-nationalist member of the coalition government. Šimkovičová has worked for an internet television outlet known for spreading disinformation. She claims the current broadcaster only gives space to mainstream views and censors the rest. The broadcaster has denied the claim. Under her plan, the new broadcaster will have a director selected by a council whose nine members will be nominated by the Culture Ministry and Parliament. The current director has a parliamentary mandate until 2027. Last month, thousands rallied in the capital Bratislava to condemn the plan, which has been widely criticized by journalists, the opposition, international media organizations, and the European Commission. Radio Slovakia International announced that state TV and radio employees were organizing a “Black Thursday” protest. According to Reporters Without Borders, a media pressure group, the government’s bill defies a report on the rule of law in Slovakia adopted by the European Commission in 2023. The report asks the government to “continue with the process of strengthening the rules and mechanisms to enhance the independent governance and editorial independence” of its broadcast media. Known for his tirades against journalists, Fico recently labeled a major television network, two national newspapers, and an online news website his enemies. Fico’s leftist Smer party won on a pro-Russian and anti-American platform. Critics worry Slovakia under Fico will abandon its pro-Western course and follow the direction of Hungary under populist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The new government immediately halted any arms deliveries to Ukraine. Thousands have repeatedly taken to the streets across Slovakia recently to rally against Fico’s pro-Russian policies and plans to amend the penal code and cancel a top prosecution dealing with corruption.
Slovakia’s Controversial Media Overhaul Raises Concerns of Censorship
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