The Government approved the new Media Act and sent it to the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia for consideration. This is the first comprehensive overhaul of the Media Act in more than twenty years, and the main purpose of the new law is to ensure the right of the inhabitants of Slovenia to comprehensive information and freedom of expression in the new media environment.
The current law had to be urgently replaced with a new law, as the current one does not take into account the development of technology, the changed habits of media audiences, the emergence of social networks and the rise of artificial intelligence. It has also failed to follow the latest European media legislation, in particular the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), which enters into force in August 2025. That is why the new law has also taken due care to ensure that it is in line with European legislation in the field of media.
Minister Dr Asta Vrečko: "The new law provides for greater transparency of media ownership and state advertising, prescribes mandatory labelling of the use of artificial intelligence in the media and the disclosure of conflicts of interest that may affect the overall information of the public. It also introduces a new procedure for assessing the merger of media companies (media concentrations), which could have a negative impact on media diversity (pluralism) and editorial independence. Under the new law, it will also be possible to more effectively curb the spread of hatred and intolerance. The law also allows for the development of modern schemes for financial assistance to the media, following the example of many other European countries that support quality media and journalism. The media, as an industry, have so far been the only ones not eligible for financial assistance. It takes into account both the European Media Freedom Regulation (EMFA), which was adopted in the spring of this year, and the Digital Services Act. It is one of the most modern media laws in Europe."
In drafting the new law, we took into account various stakeholders in the media environment: journalists, media publishers, regulators and civil society, and we were primarily based on the public interest: the right of the inhabitants of Slovenia to comprehensive information and freedom of expression.
In the new Act, the current call for co-financing of media content, which is intended primarily for the operation of radio and television programmes of special importance and independent and specialised media, is being renewed and financially strengthened. Two new financial assistance schemes are also envisaged, the first to help with the digital transition of print media and the second to help digital media.
The new law prohibits the installation of hacking software on the communication devices of journalists and other media workers, and strengthens the right to protect a journalistic source. Some provisions of the Media Act will also apply to new media forms, such as online platforms, social networks and influencers whose activities address the general public, try to influence public opinion or market the attention of users.
The text of the Act is published on the website of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia.
https://www.gov.si/novice/2024-12-31-zakon-o-medijih-danes-potrjen-na-vladi/