Embassy Events

Slovak Media Under Pressure: Charge d’Affaires Eddins Speaks with Kosice, Bratislava Journalists

SITA Director Pavol Mudry (left) and Charge d’Affaires Keith Eddins exchange views with journalists. Photo: Igor Schneeweiss.

Chargé d’Affairs Keith Eddins in a June 19 digital video conference addressed media audiences in Bratislava and Košice, leading a panel discussion about the necessity of a free and independent press in a thriving democracy.  Mr. Eddins praised the Slovak media for courage in uncovering government corruption and social injustice, but expressed concern that journalists here often feel pressured by government officials to engage in self-censorship.  “Honest, aggressive, hard-hitting journalism can and should energize the public – our taxpayers and our voters.  And sooner or later such reports will lead to changes in government policies or an insistence that existing policies or laws be respected.  An inherent tension exists between government and a free press, a watchdog press.” said Mr. Eddins. The discussion in Košice, which took place via digital video conference, was hosted by Consul Simon Hankinson at the InfoUSA Center in that city, and occurred under the auspices of the 15th International Festival of Local Television.

Remarks by Charge d'Affaires Keith Eddins: Press Freedom: Democracy's Foundation