Journalism in Slovakia Five Years After the Murder of Ján Kuciak

This study delves into the farreaching consequences of this event, focusing on the profound political, legislative, and societal transformations that have unfolded in the wake of Kuciak’s murder. These changes have left an indelible mark on journalists, reshaped the landscape of journalism as a profession, and brought changes to Slovak media legislative.

Main Findings

The murder of Ján Kuciak changed the media space in Slovakia and helped transform it into its current form. Nevertheless, it must be noted that the public have also made a significant contribution to the transformation of society, although being helped to do so by the media. One of the main consequences that occurred was a change in social sentiment towards the SMER-SD party, which changed from previously favourable to negative, that also resulted in the non-election of (potential) public officials to higher positions from that party. The murder had a major impact on the realignment of political power in Slovakia and triggered trials of prominent defendants. Protests in the streets led to a change in government and in the leadership of the police. Prosecutors who brought charges in high-profile cases received sympathy and media coverage. Acts were also passed that tightened controls on judicial competence and made the election of the Attorney General more transparent. It also increased the protection of sources, since as a result of the new regulation a journalist cannot be forced by public institutions to reveal their source. Similarly, the Media Services Act, among other things, places emphasis on the transparency of ownership and funding arrangements. Slovakia, which dropped from the top of the Freedom of the Press Index after the murder of an investigative journalist and his fiancée, has risen to almost its original position in 2023. Thus, it can be concluded that the murder of an investigative journalist and the massive public and media reaction have both contributed to a more efficient administration of justice and a more acceptable environment for the work of journalists.