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Slovenia faces criticism over press freedom
07.01.2008, 15:08
Two leading Slovenian reporters, Blaz Zgaga and Matej Surc, initiated a petition last year signed by some 570 journalists - or one fifth of Slovenia's entire media sector. The petition accused Slovenian political leaders of taking measures against their critics in key newspapers and TVs. Journalists suggest political pressure is influencing daily editorial decisions.
Fresh protests by the Slovenian
media came after alleged reluctance by the centre-right government led by prime
minister Janez Jansa to tackle earlier complaints by journalists.
The state owns shares in large Slovenian companies which are also co-owners of
media, and there have been major changes to boards of administration and
management in the country's main media.
As no action followed after the petition, its two initiators decided to renew
pressure, calling for independent experts to join the country's media
commission to "evaluate the situation and contribute to improving media
freedom in Slovenia," AFP reported.
The idea of a public inquiry into all forms of political interference in media
was also supported by the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) and its
international umbrella organisation (IFJ).
The two groups argued in a joint statement that such a step would "send an
extremely positive signal to the EU that the Slovenian government is prepared
to take a stand for media freedom and quality journalism not just in Slovenia
but throughout Europe."
But the Slovenian government has so far responded by accusing the media critics
of "spreading lies, misleading domestic and international public opinion
and discrediting Slovenia while it is heading the EU presidency."
Source: EUobserver.com