Events at RTV Slovenija in recent weeks have once again exposed the deep cracks in the public media landscape. A statement by Erika Žnidaršič, host of the investigative program Tarča, caused quite a stir. “We received a decree that Žan Dolajš is no longer allowed to produce investigative reports and cannot be rewarded for his diligent work. Meanwhile, at RTV I see employees who earn three times his salary and I honestly don’t know what they actually do.”
These words, spoken during one of the recent discussions, resonated louder than anyone might have expected – especially because they came from a house that in recent years has persistently claimed in public to be independent, professional, and unwavering in resisting political pressure.
Reactions were swift. Retired teacher and school principal Janez Mežan from Mirna Peč commented wryly: “Finally, some people at the national broadcaster are realizing where the purging of ‘Janšists’ has led them. Servants of no one have become servants of the current government.”On the social network X, one user reminded Erika Žnidaršič of the past: “Erika, you were silent when they drove out the team that worked on Program 2. Now that the same people have come for you, there’s no one left to defend you…” Such reactions raise an uncomfortable but unavoidable question: has the wheel that in 2022 removed certain creators and editors from RTV now started turning against those who applauded it back then? “Karma” in the journalistic ranks“ Karma” arrived quickly and without mercy. One of the most striking examples is Tarča itself – a program that just two years ago was regarded as a symbol of independent journalism. At the time, its journalists and creators confidently declared that they were “nobody’s servants,” that they would not bow to political pressure, and that they would work according to their own professional judgment. Their appearances were resolute, their messages clear, and they even received public support from Minister Asta Vrečko.
But the story has turned. Today, part of that same team is protesting against the RTV Slovenija management, which is allegedly exerting pressure and restricting investigative work – exactly the same thing they once loudly opposed and attributed to their political opponents.The paradox is impossible to ignore. What they once accused others of, they are now experiencing themselves. The question is whether this is simply the political winds constantly shifting, or the result of misjudgments and alliances made in the past. Either way, the situation is symptomatic and painfully familiar.Many have therefore commented cynically: “Serves you right.” But such mocking condemnation doesn’t solve the problems; it only reveals a broader issue – instability and unclear rules inside the national media house, where journalists all too often find themselves caught in the crosswinds of political interests.When the target becomes the targetErika Žnidaršič herself has acknowledged that the unease within the house is real, describing censorship and restrictions on creative work. Ironically, just a few years ago Tarča was the one attacking other media outlets. Today, the creators of Tarča are facing the same kind of pressure and scrutiny they once directed at others.
N. Ž.
