Slovakia's public broadcasting overhaul allows government to control media, critics say
FOX NewsApr 19
Slovakia to Replace Public Broadcaster With New Body
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The Facts
The Slovakian government, headed by populist Prime Minister Robert Fico, has approved the Culture Ministry's proposal to replace the current Radio and Television of Slovakia (RTVS) with a new Slovak Television and Radio (STVR).
Fico has accused the RTVS of being politically biased and "in conflict with the Slovak government," with Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová adding that it excludes all voices except those of the mainstream.
The Spin
Left narrative
Just like Viktor Orbán's Hungary, Fico's populist regime is actively turning what used to be an independent media outlet into a state propaganda machine. Not only does this violate Slovakia's democratic norms, but also the EU's Media Freedom Act. While he argues that the current broadcast station has a left-wing bias, public trust in RTVS is actually quite high. If Fico has his way, the STVR board will become a media politburo devoid of any editorial freedom.
Right narrative
European elites only complain about newly-appointed media directors when they're appointed by Eurosceptics. Fico's government, which was democratically elected, has decided to create a new media board selected by Parliament — a normal function completely in line with the law. While pro-EU governments are never called out for producing pro-EU propaganda, any populist government that attempts to balance the playing field is labeled as "authoritarian."