Martina Flasikova Handed Decree on Appointment as STVR Director

Bratislava, May 13 (TASR) - Martina Flasikova was handed the decree on her appointment to the post of general director of public broadcaster Slovak Television and Radio (STVR) by Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova (a Slovak National Party/SNS nominee) on Tuesday, STVR's PR manager Dominika Hovorkova Ertelova told TASR on the same day. The ceremony took place at the Artena creative centre on the premises of STVR. "My goal is to fulfil the vision that I presented in my project - to continue stable broadcasting, to extend the the range of programmes to include new formats that will represent STVR in a dignified manner, and to work to become a more respected medium on the Slovak market," said Flasikova. According to STVR, Flasikova's appointment to the helm of the public-service institution comes amidst changes in the field of public-service media. The new general director in her speech expressed her gratitude for the trust shown in her and emphasised the need to restore the credibility, professionalism and cultural value of STVR in the eyes of the public. The STVR Council, which has the power to elect and dismiss the public broadcaster's head under current legislation, made the decision on the new STVR director at its meeting on Monday (May 12). Flasikova garnered seven votes, while acting director Igor Slanina received two votes from the council members. A total of five candidates presented their projects for managing and developing STVR during the hearings. ko/df