CroatiaThe article discusses the ongoing competition for the position of head of HRT (Hrvatska radio-televizija), highlighting concerns over the politicization of the role and its implications for journalistic independence. Former journalist and current president of the Croatian Journalists' Union, Hrvoje Zovko, criticizes the current state of HRT, stating that independent and professional journalism has been largely absent, particularly in its news programming. He argues that the selection process for the head of HRT is politically significant ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections and that whoever is chosen will primarily serve the interests of the ruling majority. Zovko emphasizes that the news programs have become spaces where representatives of power appear without serious journalistic scrutiny, while quality journalists are marginalized. He warns against underestimating the impact of HRT, noting that many citizens still rely on its central news broadcasts for information. Additionally, he criticizes the current election process as inconsistent with European standards for media freedom, specifically referencing Article 5 of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), which calls for an
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue of HRT’s leadership selection as a matter of political influence and media freedom, aligning with left-leaning critiques of institutional control and lack of journalistic independence. The emphasis on the politicization of HRT, the marginalization of professional news, и
