Ministry Believes STVR Will Be Independent Broadcaster with Flasikova at Helm

Bratislava, May 12 (TASR) - The Culture Ministry believes that under the leadership of new general director of public-service STVR Martina Flasikova, the public-service broadcaster will become independent and transparent, TASR was told by ministry's communications department head Petra Bacinska on Monday. "The Culture Ministry sees the changes in the STVR's management as an opportunity to strengthen public confidence in objective, professional and responsible broadcasting," said Bacinska, noting that the Culture Ministry will continue to support steps to strengthen transparency and to ensure that STVR fulfils its mission for the benefit of society as a whole. Martina Flasikova has become the new general director of public broadcaster STVR. The STVR Council, which has the power to elect and dismiss the public broadcaster's head under current legislation, made the decision in a secret ballot at its meeting following the hearings of the candidates on Monday. Flasikova garnered seven votes, while acting director Igor Slanina received two votes from the council members. am