In the beginning of September 2024, Slovak cultural workers announced a "culture strike". They are protesting the "destructive and incompetent leadership of the Ministry of Culture". Over the course of the last year, the Ministry has closed down progressive cultural institutions, laid off critical voices, and took over the public broadcaster. But what do these changes entail? How do critics react? What are its implications for media freedom in Europe?
Via the Perspectives-program of Goethe-Institut, Gjorgji Janevski (Kanal 103), Vid Bešter (Radio Student), and Michael Zangerl (Radio Orange 94.0) had the chance to research the alternative culture and media scene in Slovakia during summer 2024. In this talk, they'll attempt to assess and contextualize last year's development. Moderated by Lucia Udvardyová.

Cashmere Radio is a not-for-profit community experimental radio station which was originally based in Lichtenberg, Berlin for the first six years of its existence before recently moving to our new studio headquarters in Wedding. The ambition of the station is to preserve and further radio and broadcasting practices by playing with the plasticity and malleability of the medium. We do this by both honouring and challenging its inherent qualities: it is both a physical station open to the public and an online radio; it has regular shows, yet opens itself up to extended and one-off events; it features extended generative music performances...

Cashmere Radio 

Radio Študent was founded in 1969 to give a voice to students and under-represented groups in society. It is one of Europe's oldest alternative community radio stations with a high-quality non-commercial programme. 
Radio Študent is an educational institution that provides free multimedia training for young people every year. A broad community of more than 200 contributors produces a rich programme in alternative music, culture, politics, science and education, fostering a culture of criticism, in-depth research and reporting, journalistic integrity, credibility and plurality of opinion. The programming policy of RŠ combines the concepts of community radio and public service, with journalists adhering to professional and ethical journalistic standards. Since its beginnings, it has supported civil society initiatives, independent and critical thought, tolerance, solidarity and human rights. In addition to media production, Radio Študent regularly organises important music and cultural events.

Radio Študent

Kanal 103 is an independent community radio station based in Skopje. 
Founded in 1991 as a youth-driven experiment within the national broadcaster, its fresh ideas and popularity quickly led to an independent editorial policy, carving out a space for uncensored expression amidst political and media turmoil. Music, arts, social engagement, and inclusivity became its signatures, attracting generations of young Macedonians and nurturing a vibrant alternative scene. 
 
Voluntary-based since 2004 and officially illegal and FM-less since 2020, Kanal 103 is continuing its mission of being a welcoming space for the brave cultural minorities, finding strength in adversity.

Kanal 103

ORANGE 94.0 stands as a non-profit community radio station rooted in Vienna, important in fostering media plurality throughout Austria since its inception in 1998. Boasting approximately 500 contributors and hosting over 200 distinct shows, ORANGE 94.0 claims its position as the largest Community Radio station within the German-speaking realm. Commited to equality and fostering open-minded coexistence, ORANGE 94.0 actively opposes all forms of discrimination and exclusion. The majority of its radio hosts operate on a voluntary basis, dedicating their work to topics often overlooked by mainstream media. ORANGE 94.0's dedication to amplifying voices extends to its programming, which encompasses shows broadcasted in 25 different languages. Through its multifaceted approach, ORANGE 94.0 serves as a vital conduit for community expression and representation in the Austrian media landscape.

ORANGE 94.0

Silent Green Transmediale Studio

In the beginning of September 2024, Slovak cultural workers announced a "culture strike". They are protesting the "destructive and incompetent leadership of the Ministry of Culture". Over the course of the last year, the Ministry has closed down progressive cultural institutions, laid off critical voices, and took over the public broadcaster. But what do these changes entail? How do critics react? What are its implications for media freedom in Europe?


The Inverted Pyramid: Reporting from Bratislava in Turmoil

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