The Committee on Culture and Media of the Slovak National Assembly has approved eight candidates to vie for the post of Director General of Radio and Television of Slovakia (RTVS). Subsequently, on June 15, members of Slovak parliament will vote on which of the candidates will head the public broadcaster. The first round of the election will be between current CEO Václav Mika, and fellow contenders Fedor Flašík, Michal Ruttkay, Jaroslav Rezník, Peter Abrahám, Stanislav Velitzka, Richard Dírer, and Zuzana Ťapáková. If none of the candidates gain an absolute majority of votes in the first round, the best two will move to the second round. This would take place on June 22.
In a public hearing on Tuesday (30-5), each candidate put their proposals to the Committee. Current head Václav Mika outlined plans for the expansion of digital services and the addition of further TV channels. Candidate Fedor Flašík pushed for a public-private merger of RTVS and the TASR news agency. Michal Ruttkay emphasised the need for balance in the news and lamented low viewing figures. Jaroslav Rezník stressed the importance of using RTVS for education and adding focus to minorities. Peter Abrahám proposed an increase of regional and local production. Stanislav Velitzka wishes to remove political bias from the organisation. Richard Dírer highlighted the potential of online broadcasting to the younger and middle-age market, and Zuzana Ťapáková pushed for more journalism and a boost in radio support.
