Member of the European Parliament Romana Tomc has addressed a priority question to the European Commission regarding the national media outlet Radio-Television Slovenia’s unreasonable and politically motivated decision to prevent 60,000 households from watching the Nova24TV television programme.
“As of today, 60,000 households are blocked from watching Nova24TV. This is an unreasonable and politically motivated decision by RTV Slovenia (RTVS). Due to this discriminatory act, I am filing a question with the European Commission, as the guardian of media pluralism, as a priority issue,” MEP Romana Tomc wrote on social media X.
“The loss of access to private television stations via transmitter antennas affects a large part of the population, especially those with limited means. RTV Slovenia has not given any reasons for its decision to close the alternative multiplex,” the MEP also wrote.
MEP Tomc then went on to say that it is highly unusual for a national media outlet to have so much power over the television network system. Traditionally, the companies that control it have been separated from the national broadcasters and set up as independent entities. “The current situation demonstrates RTV Slovenia’s unique hegemony in this area, which allows it to obstruct competing broadcasters without proper oversight,” the MEP wrote in her letter.
How will the European Commission respond?
The MEP also asked the European Commission two questions about the recent moves made by RTV Slovenia.
– Will the Commission consider looking into the matter, consider the gravity of the situation and the potential impact on media plurality and access to information?
– Will the Commission conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the termination of multiplex C to ensure transparency, fairness, and adherence to established regulatory practices within the EU?
You can read MEP Tomc’s letter to the European Commission in its entirety below.
“Priority question for written answer to the Commission
Rule 138
Romana Tomc (PPE)
Subject: Urgent Appeal for Intervention Regarding Termination of Multiplex C Digital Broadcasting Network by RTV Slovenia
As of February 1st, 2024, RTV Slovenia has terminated the multiplex C digital broadcasting network, leaving multiplex A as the sole terrestrial digital broadcasting network with coverage throughout Slovenia. This decision has far-reaching consequences, particularly for approximately 60,000 individuals who are not subscribers to IPTV, the only other available means of receiving TV programming in Slovenia.
The loss of access to private TV stations through a terrestrial TV antenna affects a substantial portion of the population, particularly those with limited means. RTV Slovenia has not provided any motivations behind the decision to shut down the alternative multiplex.
It is highly unusual for a national media broadcaster to wield such unilateral power over the broadcasting network system. Traditionally, companies overseeing broadcasting networks, especially in post-communist countries, have been separated from national media broadcasters and established as independent entities. The current situation highlights RTV Slovenia’s unique hegemony in this field, enabling them to effectively shut down competing television stations without adequate oversight.
- Will the Commission consider looking into the matter, consider the gravity of the situation and the potential impact on media plurality and access to information?
- Will the Commission conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the termination of multiplex C to ensure transparency, fairness, and adherence to established regulatory practices within the EU?”
Ž. K.
