Last Friday, a trial began at the Specialized Criminal Court in Banská Bystrica involving David Lindtner, an advisor to Prime Minister Robert Fico and a former judge, who has been accused of interfering with judicial independence and committing the crime of indirect corruption while he served as the chairman of the District Court of Bratislava III. Following these accusations, the trial attracted considerable attention from various media outlets, with coverage expected from the major television networks.

However, one notable exception was Slovenská televízia, which completely omitted coverage of the trial's commencement and the subsequent hearings. This absence was not attributed to an unintentional oversight, as sometimes newsrooms are unable to cover every current event due to limited reporter resources and must prioritize their reporting. Still, the decision to bypass coverage of Lindtner's trial raises questions about media priorities, especially given the significance of the case involving a high-profile advisor to the Prime Minister.

The lack of coverage by the public broadcaster could reflect broader issues within media reporting in Slovakia, highlighting potential biases or gaps in accountability when it comes to reporting on powerful figures. This case illuminates the tensions between political power and the judicial system, a critical subject in maintaining democratic integrity in the country. Stakeholders may call for more transparent reporting practices to ensure that matters of public interest, especially those involving corruption allegations against influential individuals, receive the attention they deserve.