Slovak Government Approves Plan to Replace Public Broadcaster
PRAGUE — In a bold move, the Slovak government has given the green light to a proposal that would eliminate the current public broadcaster and introduce a new entity, sparking concerns over media independence under the leadership of Robert Fico’s populist-nationalist coalition.
The decision, backed by the Cabinet, supports a Culture Ministry proposal to do away with the existing Radio and Television of Slovakia (RTVS) and establish a new organization called Slovak Television and Radio (STVR).
The current director general, appointed in 2022, will be removed from his position. His successor will be selected by a Council comprised of members appointed by ministers and the Fico-controlled parliament.
“We’re reclaiming the term ‘Slovak’ in the name, emphasizing the unequivocal national and state-building essence of our public broadcaster,” explained Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova, a representative of the ultra-nationalist Slovak National Party.
Simkovicova, a former TV journalist herself, accused RTVS of engaging in “political activism,” asserting that the changes aim to address a perceived lack of impartiality in the broadcaster’s news reporting.
Despite allegations of bias, RTVS denies claims that it only showcases “mainstream” perspectives while neglecting alternative viewpoints.
Opponents have raised concerns about Simkovicova’s background, highlighting her past involvement in an online TV channel that promoted pro-Russian narratives and misinformation related to COVID-19 and vaccination.
The government’s actions have triggered protests from citizens in Bratislava, journalists, opposition parties, and even the European Union.
The European Broadcasting Union cautioned against transforming Slovakia’s public service broadcaster into a “state-controlled media” in light of these developments.
Simkovicova emphasized that the proposed legislation aligns with the European Act on Freedom of the Media, which received approval from the European Parliament in March.
The changes will be presented to parliament, where Fico’s government holds a majority, and are expected to be implemented in June.
“The situation at RTVS is untenable… [it] cannot achieve objectivity as it remains in constant conflict with the Slovak government,” stated the prime minister following a Cabinet meeting.
He expressed concerns about Slovak citizens’ right to receive unbiased information being compromised by the current state of affairs.
Notably, the government has toned down some of the more contentious proposals, such as granting the board of governors the authority to dismiss the director general without cause and establishing a “program council” for direct editorial oversight, which critics viewed as potential censorship.
The revised plan involves the selection of a new director general by a carefully curated Council, with members appointed by the culture minister, finance minister, and parliament.
As opposed to a “program council,” an “ethics committee” will be established to offer advisory guidance.
Over 1,200 RTVS employees have signed a petition opposing the changes, emphasizing the importance of free and independent public media in serving all citizens of Slovakia, rather than a specific party’s interests.
On Thursday, staff, potentially including on-screen personalities and reporters, will don black attire, followed by wearing RTVS-colored ribbons on their lapels in the days to come. — BBC
