Media Campaigns or Watchdog Journalism? Political Reactions to Crime Reporting in Slovakia
Media Campaigns or Watchdog Journalism? Political Reactions to Crime Reporting in Slovakia

Summary/Abstract: This article examines how political actors and legal professionals respond to investigativejournalism, particularly in the context of crime and corruption reporting. Drawingon both theoretical insights and concrete examples, it argues that constructive criticismof the media should focus on specific reporting rather than general accusations of politicalbias or campaigning. The article highlights the differences in professional ethics and goalsbetween journalists and lawyers, emphasising that journalists serve the public interestby pursuing the truth, while legal professionals are bound to defend their clients. Specialattention is given to the case of Slovakia between 2020 and 2023, when law enforcementinvestigated high-level corruption and legacy media reported on these developments.Although journalists mostly followed ethical standards, they faced accusations fromimplicated politicians and businessmen who claimed the coverage aimed to damagethem. Through this case, the article defends the watchdog function of the press andcalls for a fact-based, respectful public discourse that acknowledges journalism’s role indemocracies under pressure.

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