New director of public broadcaster outlines plans; meets criticism

New director of public broadcaster outlines plans; meets criticism

The public broadcaster Radio and Television Slovakia (RTVS) will be a national, cultural institution under my leadership that will be thorough in delivering on its public service mission, said newly elected RTVS General Director Jaroslav Rezník on Tuesday. He made his comments shortly after being elected in a secret second-round vote in Parliament earlier that day, receiving backing from 95 MPs. The other candidate, incumbent RTVS head Vaclav Mika, received 50 votes.

The appointment has not been without criticism, however, with some suggesting the choice of Rezník for the role was political, rather than in the best interests of the state-run organisation, creating a difference of opinion in the ruling coalition. Minister of Culture Marek Maďarič (Smer-SD) criticised the method used for electing the new director. At a press conference on Wednesday morning, he stated that political interests prevailed over expert arguments and over public service.

"The fact is, the General Director of RTVS's election by politicians creates the risk of decision-making having a political aspect. This election confirms it."

Marek Maďarič added that he will ask for a change in the way the director is chosen, stating that he'd rather have seen the RTVS director appointed by a 15-member collective of experts, instead of politicians. Despite his disagreement with the ruling coalition's choice, he said that he has no plans to step down from his post as Minister of Culture.

The new director wishes to introduce a third television channel, focusing on sport and education, and wishes to strengthen the broadcaster's internet presence with the creation of a web-based news television channel named "RTVS ONLINE TV".

An increase in expenses for the public broadcaster looks likely, although probably indirectly, with RTVS' budget not presently allowing for a third television channel. This increase has been a point of contention within the ruling coalition, however it may agree mutually that RTVS could increase its budget through a contract with the state.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, the newly appointed director Jaroslav Rezník stated that under his leadership RTVS will consistently perform its public service mission.

"By 2022, I would like for RTVS to be a useful, respected, national cultural institution with clearly distinguished programming and to have its basic foundations outlined. This means, based on how its technology will progress by 2022, how it will be financed, and with which method we'll develop a multi-channel strategy."

Although currently the head of the TASR press agency, Rezník had previously led the public broadcaster Slovak Radio (Radio Slovakia International's parent company) from 1997 to 2005. He will begin his five-year term as General Director of RTVS in August.

Gavin Shoebridge, Photo: TASR

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