Article 26 of the Slovak constitution guarantees freedom of expression and the press. Since 1990, sixteen drafts of a new media law have been prepared, but none were debated by parliament. In May 1998, the government adopted a measure aimed at limiting election-related coverage by the private electronic media. A report by an Italian media which monitors groups found that state TV gave clear preference to the ruling party and government officials, and that TV Markiza devoted 73 percent of its campaign coverage to the opposition. Article 103 of the Penal Code penalizes defamation of the president, though no action was taken against progovernment papers attacking then President Kovac.
All major dailies are private.
There are some 20 private radio stations, among them Radio Twist and Fun. Private stations include TV Markiza and VTV, which broadcast via cable and satellite. In 1997, a private information agency, SITA, was established. Freedom of religion is respected in this overwhelmingly Roman Catholic country. Only registered churches and religious organizations have the explicit right to conduct public worship services.