By: Vida Kocjan
The ruling coalition (Gibanje Svoboda, SD, and Levica), led by Robert Golob, Matjaž Han, and Asta Vrečko, adopted the proposed Media Act during a correspondence session (in writing, without debate) on the last day of 2024 and immediately submitted it to the National Assembly for consideration.
With astonishing speed during the holidays, they attempted to ensure that changes to media legislation would not resonate too loudly in the public sphere. However, they miscalculated. The responses have been numerous and fierce. This is not due to media and journalists sympathetic to the government, who stand to benefit from the amended law, but primarily thanks to social media.
Modern fascism on the rise
The government is proposing changes to the 2001 Media Act. Among the key and alarming amendments are plans to monitor media content and online platforms. Additionally, they propose new financial aid schemes for media, including support for the digital transition of print media and assistance for digital outlets. This will enable taxpayer money to flow into specifically selected media outlets that are aligned with the ruling elite. Funding for the co-financing of media content will also increase, particularly for radio and television programmes of special importance and (allegedly) independent and specialised media. Some provisions of the law will also apply to new media forms, such as online platforms, social networks like Facebook, X, and LinkedIn, as well as influencers who reach a broad audience or aim to influence public opinion. Inspectors will oversee content, order removals, and impose hefty fines. Individuals will also be required to register in a new media registry. This is complete nonsense, reflecting the Golob government’s efforts to control all citizen writings and opinions, not just those of selected media.
Culture Minister Asta Vrečko emphasised during the law’s presentation that it is one of the most modern media laws in Europe, accounting for technological developments, changing audience habits, and the rise of artificial intelligence. However, this has proven to be highly misleading. The proposed law has been submitted to the National Assembly for further debate and potential amendments. What is concerning is that some dominant pro-government socialist journalist associations also support the proposed law, making it unlikely that the law, in its current form, will not pass in the National Assembly. Especially since the coalition holds a strong majority there. The reason why individual journalists and associations remain silent lies in financial incentives and rewards. This is no longer journalism but servitude, which has nothing to do with journalistic integrity.
According to some currently available information, the primary beneficiaries will be media owned by Slovenia’s media tycoon network (such as Stojan Petrič, Martin Odlazek, etc.).
Muzzles for social media users
The Media Act will significantly undermine freedom of speech and media independence. Under the new law, anyone using a platform to share information, express opinions, or educate followers will be classified as media. This means that all podcasters, influencers, vloggers, and others will need to register in a media registry. Registering entails compliance with numerous regulations linked to the law, many of which are highly complex. Everyone in the registry will also have to archive their content physically for a specified period in case of an inspection.
The definition of who qualifies as an influencer is vague, leaving room for interpretation that could encompass anyone posting on social media. Public dissemination of content promoting hatred, violence, or discrimination will be prohibited for all media. While this seems commendable in principle, in practice, only individuals critical of the government will face penalties. For instance, criticising the government’s actions could be considered a violation.
If someone has influence – though it is not clearly defined – and fails to register, they will automatically be in violation of the law. Those who do register will be subject to oversight by the ruling elite, which will decide whether their posts are objectionable.
The law will heavily burden influencers with bureaucracy, making their work and earnings significantly more difficult. Additionally, the law mandates strict labelling of advertisements while prohibiting advertising on media platforms – a clear paradox. This appears to be a blatant attempt to silence individuals and restrict freedom of speech. These concerns are detailed in a petition summarising the issues.
Signing the petition
Zala Klopčič, vice president of the Slovenian Democratic Youth, a student, and co-host of the podcast Na tekočem, launched an online petition seeking signatures. She began by thanking all who care about maintaining an independent media space, a cornerstone of democracy. She urged the government to withdraw the Media Act proposal immediately and refrain from submitting such undemocratic proposals in the future. Within the first day, thousands signed the petition, which remains accessible on the website (www.peticija.online).
STA Act still pending
While the Golob government rushed to amend the Media Act, it has taken a completely different approach to the Slovenian Press Agency Act. Changes to this law were recommended by auditors from the Court of Audit of the Republic of Slovenia to align funding for this state agency. The government had 90 days to resolve the matter but signed the 2024 financing contract for STA under the old legislation, showing blatant disregard for legality. Media legislation preparation falls under the Ministry of Culture, headed by the ultra-leftist Asta Vrečko, coordinator of the Levica party. Vrečko, nicknamed “The Čebina Princess”, leads a ministry with policies directed by a party that barely crossed the threshold to enter the National Assembly in the last election, receiving just over 4% of the vote. The coalition, including Matjaž Han, the president of the Social Democrats (SD) and successor to the controversial Tanja Fajon, has again demonstrated its willingness to let the Slovenian cultural and media landscape be led by an ultra-leftist party.
Romana Tomc: “This is one of the most dangerous regulations from Golob’s government”
Romana Tomc, vice president of the EPP parliamentary group, MEP, and member of the European People’s Party (EPP), stated: “With the new Media Act, the Slovenian government is establishing a legal basis for political censorship. The law will allow political activists disguised as independent experts to carry out censorship and restrict freedom of speech. This is already happening, but the new law will legalise silencing dissenters, making it even more brutal.
Golob’s declaration that Slovenia needs to be cleansed of Janšism leaves no doubt about the direction censorship will take and who will be the targets of media witch hunts. However, this is not the only danger lurking in the law; it contains numerous hidden traps. It is no surprise that the government passed it during the holidays without significant public debate.
Of course, we will discuss this in the European Parliament as well. It would also be helpful if others, who understand the dangers involved, speak out. Not everyone can be silenced”.
Branko Grims: “Defending freedom of speech is defending independent Slovenia!”
Branko Grims informed the European Commission about clear violations of the fundamental human right to freedom of speech and EU law introduced by the government’s proposed Media Act, passed at a government session on December 31st, 2024 (New Year’s Eve). Grims emphasised, “Defending freedom of speech today is defending the independence of Slovenia!”