Source: Politico
“Slovakia’s government approved a controversial proposal to scrap its public broadcaster RTVS and replace it with what free speech advocates fear could be a mouthpiece for the government of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico. Fico’s government approved the measure on Wednesday. The country’s parliament is expected to vote on it in June and, given Fico’s majority, it is expected to pass. The new channel, Slovak Television and Radio (STVR), will become what the government called a ‘state institution.’ The government will have more control than before over the hiring of the channel’s director-general and board of directors. The broadcaster will also be obliged to broadcast the Slovak national anthem at least once per day.” (04/24/24)