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Voxpress:

Slovenians support the law for the depoliticization of public television

2022-11-28 19:42:51Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Slovenians support the law for the depoliticization of public television
journalist

In a referendum on Sunday, Slovenians supported a law to reduce political influence and restore the editorial independence of the European Union member state's public television. Media and civil organizations have criticized what they call one-sided coverage by "RTV Slovenija" - the country's main broadcaster with over 2,000 employees. The current leaders were appointed by the previous Conservative government.

The center-left ruling coalition, which won elections in April, passed the law on reforming radio and television shortly after taking power. Under the new law, the public station will be overseen by institutions and civil society groups, prohibiting the government and parliament from appointing new leaders whenever elections are held. The Democratic Party of Slovenia (SDS), led by former Prime Minister Janez Jansa, called for the referendum as a last-ditch effort to stop the new law after collecting the 40,000 signatures needed to call for a popular referendum.

According to the data of the electoral commission, over 62% of the voters supported the law, thus paving the way for its entry into force. During his two years in power, in the period 2020-2022, Mr. Jansa often denounced critical announcements in the media, even making personal attacks on journalists. His SDS party replaced most of RTV's executives, as well as the editor-in-chief of news programs, sparking protests over closed broadcasts, the transfer of journalists and other moves that were considered interference in media freedom.

In the media freedom ranking, Slovenia fell from 36th to 54th place, according to Reporters Without Borders' (RSF) 2022 report. "There is damage that cannot be undone... but editorial autonomy must be ensured" through this law, Helena Milinkovic, spokeswoman for the largest union of television workers, told AFP news agency.

She added that over twelve new journalists, who previously worked for SDS-affiliated media outlets, have been hired, while over 40 journalists and newsroom staff have resigned or retired over the past year. The Association of Journalists of Slovenia has called on citizens to support the law, stating that it is the only way to protect the broadcaster from "political abuse and destruction".

Major international media organizations, such as the International Press Institute (IPI) and RSF, also came out in support of this law. The South East European Media Organization (SEEMO) also welcomed the referendum result.

"SEEMO hopes that RTV Slovenia will function in the future as an independent professional media service and as a positive example for many other public services in Europe," SEEMO's secretary general told AFP news agency. Oliver Vujovic. After the results of the referendum are published in the official journal in January, the law sets a two-month deadline for the implementation of the foreseen changes./VOA


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