Minority Media in Slovakia: A Good Example?

Media play an important role in shaping and consolidating minority identity in Central and Eastern Europe. But by definition, minority media have as their target audience a relatively small group. The possibilities to compete for sales and advertising (as a means to ensure their financial viability) on the open market are therefore also reduced.

In order to provide minorities with a voice in the media, external support may be necessary to compensate for the smaller audience. However, such support, particularly from the State, can compromise the independence of the media. Yet even where the size and character of a minority group create conditions conducive to an independent minority media, external support may be a "necessary evil."

In this article, Valerian Hrala discusses the paradox of supporting minority Hungarian voices in Slovakia and what the benefits and drawbacks of that support would be.