Slovak Ex-TV Chief Praises Chinese Media, Sparks Propaganda Concerns

Former Slovak Television Director’s Praise for Chinese Media Raises Concerns About Propaganda Influence

Reports surfacing this week suggest potential inroads for Chinese propaganda within Slovak media, specifically highlighting the views of Štefan Nižňanský, a former Director-General of Slovak Television (STV). Nižňanský’s recent commentary, following a trip to China in June 2025, has sparked debate about objectivity in journalism and the potential for external influence on the Slovak information landscape. The discussion centers on his surprisingly positive assessment of Chinese state media, CCTV, and his current affiliation with the publication Extra plus, which has been accused of disseminating pro-China narratives.

Nižňanský’s Observations in China

According to a report in Denník N, Nižňanský described watching 19 channels of Chinese state television, CCTV, during a week-long stay in luxury hotels in China. Notably, he stated that coverage of the Russia-Ukraine conflict was absent from the programming. He observed that the Chinese population “appears calm and peaceful” and characterized the country as “far ahead of the rest of the world.” While acknowledging that Chinese state media is directly controlled by the Communist Party’s propaganda apparatus, Nižňanský surprisingly recommended that Slovak and Czech media learn from CCTV’s approach to reporting. He praised Chinese television moderators for adhering to facts, asking clear questions, and avoiding commentary or bias – describing it as “no propaganda!”

This assessment is particularly noteworthy given the widely understood role of state media in China as a tool for shaping public opinion in line with the Communist Party’s policies. To consider Chinese state media as independent is, according to observers, “naive.”

A Current Role at Extra plus and the Audiovisual Fund

Nižňanský’s current role as a collaborator with Extra plus adds another layer to the discussion. Denník N reports that the publication has “long used Chinese propaganda to spread its messages in Slovakia.” Nižňanský has served on the council of the Audiovisual Fund since 2024, a position that grants him influence over state funding for films and film festivals. This raises questions about potential conflicts of interest and the possibility of Chinese influence extending into the Slovak film industry. Extra plus did not respond to inquiries regarding whether Nižňanský’s trip to China was self-funded or financed by Chinese sources.

Background: Štefan Nižňanský’s Career

Štefan Nižňanský has a long and varied career in Slovak media and politics. According to information from STVR, he began his career at Czechoslovak Television Bratislava, moderating news programs. Following the Velvet Revolution in 1989, he became a member of the Slovak National Council and later the Federal Assembly. He served as Director-General of STV from 2008 to 2010, during which time he oversaw the launch of a sports channel and signed the first state funding agreement for original programming. He was also involved in efforts to save the television from significant debt, reportedly amounting to 3.5 billion Slovak crowns. More recently, in 2024, he participated in an interview with eReport, discussing issues within Slovak public broadcasting, including the negative impact of merging television and radio services.

Confirmed vs. Unclear: Key Details and Remaining Questions

While Nižňanský’s observations and affiliations are confirmed by reporting in Denník N and other sources, several key details remain unclear. The funding source for his trip to China has not been independently verified. It remains unclear whether his positive assessment of Chinese media is influenced by any financial or other incentives. The extent to which Extra plus actively disseminates Chinese propaganda, beyond the general assertion made by Denník N, requires further investigation.

How the Audiovisual Fund Works

The Audiovisual Fund plays a crucial role in supporting the Slovak film and audiovisual industry. It distributes state funding to film projects, film festivals, and other cultural initiatives. The fund’s council, on which Nižňanský sits, is responsible for making decisions about which projects receive funding. The process typically involves submitting project proposals, which are then evaluated based on artistic merit, cultural significance, and other criteria. The council’s decisions are subject to scrutiny from the Ministry of Culture and the public. More information about the Audiovisual Fund can be found on their official website: https://www.avf.sk/aboutus/management/council.aspx.

Implications for Slovak Media and Public Discourse

The situation raises broader concerns about the vulnerability of Slovak media to external influence and the potential for the spread of disinformation. The fact that a former head of public television is openly praising Chinese state media, while simultaneously holding a position of influence over state funding for audiovisual projects, is particularly troubling. It underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the Slovak media landscape, as well as increased media literacy among the public. The case also highlights the importance of critical thinking and independent verification of information, especially in an era of increasing geopolitical competition and information warfare.

What Happens Next?

The situation is likely to attract further scrutiny from journalists and civil society organizations in Slovakia. Denník N’s reporting has already sparked a public debate, and it is likely that other media outlets will investigate the issue further. The Audiovisual Fund’s activities will also be subject to increased oversight, and there may be calls for Nižňanský to recuse himself from decisions related to projects that could potentially benefit from Chinese funding or influence. The Slovak government may also be pressured to take steps to strengthen media independence and combat disinformation.