During his recent visit to China, former Slovak Television director Štefan Nižňanský observed and criticized the presence of Chinese state media, particularly CCTV, as a tool for propaganda. He reported that the channels provided nothing pertaining to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict which is dominantly featured in Slovak news, indicating a significant difference in the media narrative. He described the Chinese citizens as 'content and peaceful' and noted that China has surpassed the rest of the world in various aspects, showcasing a propaganda success story.

Nižňanský pointed out that the Chinese state media, firmly controlled by the Communist Party, are instrumental in shaping public opinion in accordance with party policies. He cautioned against considering these outlets as independent media, arguing instead that they serve a clear propaganda purpose. Despite this, he expressed admiration for the management of these media outlets, suggesting that the Slovak and Czech media could learn from them about objective and independent journalism, which he feels is lacking in their own countries.

The article raises important questions regarding the influence of foreign propaganda on local media landscapes and the responsibilities of journalists to maintain objectivity. The call to learn from Chinese media practices may provoke debate about the implications of such admiration and the potential threats posed by state-sponsored narratives to democratic discourse in Slovakia. This scenario illustrates the delicate balance that media must achieve in the face of powerful state influence, especially from countries like China that employ strategic disinformation tactics effectively.