Beata Balogová, editor-in-chief of Slovakia’s SME, recipient of the 2020 European Press Prize Opinion Award, and keynote speaker of the 2021 Annual Freedom Lecture, has been selected to join the Board of the European Press Prize on October 14, 2024. In her 2021 Annual Freedom Lecture, How Journalists Survived Backsliding and State Capture, Beata shared her insights on the challenges journalists face in maintaining integrity amidst political pressures.
In her announcement, she emphasized the importance of ensuring journalism remains grounded in factual accuracy, respect for vulnerable groups, and the highest ethical standards. She highlighted the role of the European Press Prize in championing investigative work that holds power accountable and amplifies marginalized voices.
Having been honored with the European Press Prize herself, Beata is deeply aware of the value such recognition brings to upholding quality journalism. In a time when political forces seek to weaken the essence of journalism, Beata believes that quality reporting goes beyond informing – it involves deep analysis, reflection, and engagement with the public. Her commitment remains to continue defending press freedom and promoting standards of journalistic excellence.