About us
Our mission is to develop radio broadcasting in Slovakia
Who we are
The Association of Slovak Radio Stations (ARS) is an interest group representing Slovak radio stations. The association currently has 8 members and 4 board members. ARS serves as an important information and promotional platform in the field of private radio broadcasting.
The role of the ARS is to represent its members in communications with the copyright organisations SOZA and SLOVGRAM, to contribute to the creation and development of the legislative and regulatory framework of the Slovak media environment, and to liaise on behalf of its members with state authorities (e.g. the Council for Media Services (RpMS), parliamentary committees, the Office for the Regulation of Electronic Communications and Postal Services (Regulatory Authority), etc.).
ARS also communicates with associations operating in the media and advertising sectors, as well as with European bodies related to private broadcasting.
ARS provides its members with legal services regarding current legislation and digitalisation; the radio stations affiliated with ARS have the necessary resources to act as equal partners in the dual system when communicating with public institutions.
We are members of the following professional associations:
The Advertising Council (RPR), the Creative Industry Forum (CIF), the AI Association (ASAI) and the Association for the Protection of Journalistic Ethics (AONE)
Our mission
At ARS, we are focusing our efforts on development in the following areas in particular.
1. Protection of freedom of speech
Only free and independent media can guarantee the people of Slovakia access to unbiased, accurate and unmanipulated information. Independent journalism is therefore, for us, the be-all and end-all when it comes to safeguarding democracy and humanism.
2. Meaningful regulation
We advocate regulatory frameworks that are data-driven and in line with current regulatory trends within the EU.
3. A fair and equitable market environment
We strive to ensure a fair market environment in Slovakia and to promote free competition whilst adhering to all the rules.
The History of ARS
As of 21 January 2020, the Association of Slovak Radio Stations (ARS) is the new name for the Association of Independent Radio and Television Stations of Slovakia (ANRTS).
-
1. The founding of the first radio association
The Association of Independent Radio Stations of Slovakia (“the Association”) was founded on 15 December 1992 in Bratislava by seven holders of the first radio broadcasting licences, which had been granted in May of that year by a commission of the Slovak Government. The founding members of the Association were: FUN Radio, Radio TWIST, Radio RAGTIME, RMC Radio, Klassic Radio, Radio D.C.A. and Radio TATRY.
-
2. Extension of scope
In 1997, the Association expanded its scope to include terrestrial television broadcasting and became the Association of Independent Radio and Television Stations of Slovakia (‘ANRTS’).
-
3. Change in structure
In 2020, a change took place within the structure of ANRTS; the departure of television broadcasters from ANRTS occurred by mutual agreement and on the understanding that television and radio, as media types, needed to focus on their own development and legislation. However, both audiovisual media remain in close contact and support one another in all shared interests within the media sector.
-
5. Change of the association’s name
Following the departure of television broadcasters from the ANRTS, radio broadcasters convened an extraordinary congress; on 21 January 2020, following a change in membership, the radio broadcasters changed their name to the Association of Slovak Radio Stations (ARS) and adopted new articles of association.
What we do
At ARS, we focus on various aspects of the development of radio broadcasting and the radio industry as a whole.
Services for members
We support our members by providing legal advice, technical support and training...
The radio is working
Creative radio advertising has a proven track record, which we monitor for you. See for yourself...
Learn more
The digitisation of radio broadcasting in Slovakia
Read more
Conferences and seminars
Through the association, we help organise various conferences, awards ceremonies and seminars...
