LEFT-CENTER BIAS
These media sources have a slight to moderate progressive/liberal bias. They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using appeal to emotion or stereotypes) to favor progressive/liberal causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information, but may require further investigation. See all Left-Center sources.
- Overall, we rate The Slovak Spectator as Left-Center Biased for its critical coverage of the ruling Smer-SD party and favorable framing of pro-European opposition. It is rated Highly Factual for its use of credible sources and adherence to journalistic standards.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER (-3.5)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (1.0)
Country: Slovakia
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
The Slovak Spectator is Slovakia’s only English-language publication, established in 1995. Published monthly by The Rock, s.r.o., it covers local news, culture, and business for an international audience, including expatriates, diplomats, and business professionals. The publication also offers specialized annual reports, such as Largest in Business (corporate rankings and investment insights) and Spectacular Slovakia (travel guides). Additionally, it operates the most prominent English-language online news portal about Slovakia, providing daily updates on Slovak affairs.
Read our profile on Slovakia’s government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
The Slovak Spectator is published by The Rock, s.r.o., which is co-owned by two of its original founders, Daniel J. Stoll and Eric Koomen, alongside Petit Press, the largest media company in Slovakia. Petit Press owns 75% of the company and publishes other prominent Slovak outlets, including SME and Korzár. This ownership structure supports the outlet’s editorial independence while leveraging Petit Press’s distribution network.
Analysis / Bias
The Slovak Spectator is critical of the ruling Smer-SD party, led by Robert Fico, whose platform combines social democracy with left-wing populism, nationalism, Pro Russia, anti-LGBTQ, and anti-immigration. The outlet frequently critiques Fico’s government for its perceived authoritarian tendencies, Euroscepticism, and nationalist policies. For example, articles like “Trust in PM Fico Declines as rival gains popularity” emphasize public protests against Fico’s administration and raise concerns about threats to democracy. In contrast, Progressive Slovakia, led by Michal Šimečka, was portrayed more favorably. The party’s emphasis on pro-Europeanism and progressive reforms aligns with the Spectator’s pro-democracy and pro-EU editorial stance.
While the Spectator maintains factual reporting, frequently referencing reputable institutions such as the AKO polling agency, which is also cited by international outlets like Reuters, government reports, and international organizations, its framing tends to align with progressive and pro-European positions, reflecting skepticism toward populist nationalism. This suggests a subtle editorial preference for opposition figures like Šimečka over the ruling party.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate The Slovak Spectator as Left-Center Biased for its critical coverage of the ruling Smer-SD party and favorable framing of pro-European opposition. It is rated Highly Factual for its use of credible sources and adherence to journalistic standards. (M. Huitsing 11/25/2024)
Source: https://spectator.sme.sk/
Last Updated on November 25, 2024 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources