US Embassy: Financial groups threaten freedom of press in Slovakia

The US Embassy in Slovakia is concerned about the increasing engagement of large financial groups in the Slovak media, which can be seen as a potential threat to the freedom of the press in the country. In a press release issued on Monday to mark the „World Press Freedom Day", the Embassy praised the local media for regular in-depth reporting on various corruption scandals, which more often than not feature those in power. "We're concerned, however, by the increasing consolidation in the media sector, which has the potential to limit the variety of views expressed," read the statement pointing to the current state of affairs in which a small number of large financial groups control several media outlets in the country. Although it did not name them, it referred to Penta and J&T Group. In the US Department of State's annual Human Rights Report to be released soon concerns about "apparent attempts by government officials, judges and other elites to intimidate the press with threats of civil defamation suits in Slovakia" will be voiced. The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, the International Press Institute and other observers have voiced concerns that the sizable damages that have been awarded to litigants in such cases could lead to media self-censorship," warned the Embassy, adding that Slovak political elites should develop a greater appreciation for the watchdog role played by the free press. Financial groups did not react to this statement but last month one of Penta's partners, Marek Dospiva, admitted the investment in media outlets is a kind of insurance policy against what he called „irrational attacks against our group" .