On December 31st 2024, the Slovenian government introduced a new media law. This marks the first major step in reforming the Media Act in twenty years. Throughout these years, Slovenia’s media landscape faced challenges concerning media transparency, especially under the leadership of ex-Prime Minister Janez Janša. National broadcaster RTV Slovenija were accused of government interference, while they simultaneously faced funding cuts. Journalists suffered censorship issues from Janša, resulting in the European Commission and Reporters Without Borders raising concerns about media freedom in the country.
One of the key provisions of the new media law is transparency, requiring media organizations to disclose their ownership publicly. A clause also mandates the disclosure of AI involvement in content creation.
To support struggling media, the law includes plans to help newspapers transition to the digital space. The law also introduces a clause aimed at limiting mergers between media organizations, which could threaten editorial independence.
Another of the key points concerning the protection of journalists is that the installation of spyware on their devices is prohibited. More mechanisms will also be introduced in media in order to limit hate speech. Slovenian Minister of Culture Asta Vrečko explained that the law aims to ensure freedom of expression, which highlights the government’s position on the need to modernize laws with the ever-changing media landscape. She has argued that the law is essential for ensuring media freedom and transparency, stating, ‘This law is a step forward in modernizing our media landscape and ensuring that Slovenia meets the challenges of the digital age while safeguarding freedom of expression.’
While it may seem great on paper, the law wasn’t well-received by all. Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) MP Zala Tomašič expressed her concerns through a social media post earlier this week, raising several questions about the law.
According to her, the law is too superficial, leading to ambiguity and subjectivity in the interpretation of the new media law. She believes this could lead to power abuse, making the law counterproductive.
Furthermore, she believes that inspectors in charge of investigating whether there’s a breach under the law, especially under the bill of hate speech, could lead to fines, which are likelier to target individuals instead of media organizations. She repeats the criticism in this case of the wording being too superficial, leaving the interpretation open to inspectors.
She also requested the government clarify whether influencers are seen as media too, which would force them to comply under the new regulations. Zala also questioned whether politicians, such as President Borut Pahor, would be considered influencers. Another key point is her questioning the need for his media law when the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) covers similar challenges and is expected to be enforced in all European Union member states.
As a MP in the European Parliament, Zala published an open letter directed at the European Commission, asking the following questions:
- Does the Commission believe that the law complies with European standards regarding freedom of expression?
- Is increased state funding to independent media consider that it respected the principle of media independence in the EU’s legislation?
- How does the Commission assess that the transfer of powers from judicial to administrative bodies without clear cirteria , and does it believe it threatens freedom of expression?
The use of laws to codify censorship was, in fact, a hallmark of Janez Janša’s administration. In this sense, Zala Tomašič isn’t alone in believing the hate speech bill, as well as the lack of detail in the law, could lead to increased government mediatic control.
While the critics are valid, the law is the first major overhaul of the Media Act in 20 years. As such, it signals the government’s intent to enhance transparency in media, introduce regulations for AI usage, assist smaller media in digitalization, and protect journalists from increased digital surveillance. Helping smaller media organizations to digitalize, as well as protecting journalists from increased digital surveillance.
The new media law sets the stage for a modernized Slovenian media landscape, but its long-term impact will depend on its implementation and the balance it strikes between protecting freedom of expression and preventing government overreach.
