Slovenian media are entering a period that, according to the newly elected President of the Association of Slovene Media, Gregor Memedović, will require greater strategic clarity, technological openness and continuous dialogue with regulators. His mandate begins at a time when the media market is facing regulatory pressures, technological transformations and the growing dominance of global platforms.
Memedović emphasizes that sustainable media development depends on ensuring stable working conditions, competitiveness and an equal position for all market players. Media independence, he argues, can exist only in an environment that does not hinder development but systematically encourages it through thoughtful policies and clear rules.
Regulation Must Be Necessary, but Also Smart
One of the central issues of his mandate will be regulation. Memedović stresses that regulation is necessary, but it must be designed in a way that enables growth and market competitiveness, rather than unnecessarily restricting business through administrative requirements.
In this context, he sees an important role for professional associations in maintaining continuous and well-argued dialogue with regulators and lawmakers. The goal of such an approach is not confrontation, but preventing excessive interventions in the media space and creating conditions in which media organisations can plan their development in the long term.
Level Playing Field and Greater Transparency
A particular focus during his mandate will be placed on equalising market conditions between domestic media and global technology platforms. Although, in his view, Slovenian media cannot directly compete with global players, they can build their strength through local relevance, understanding of the environment and linguistic proximity to their audiences.
At the same time, the establishment of audience measurement research in the fields of radio and print is planned, which should contribute to greater transparency and market credibility. Standards, measurement and ethics, Memedović underlines, remain the foundation of trust in the media and advertising ecosystem, even within a relatively small market.
He sees technological development, including artificial intelligence, as an opportunity rather than a threat. AI enables process optimisation and increased efficiency, but the success of the transition will primarily depend on media management’s ability to introduce changes thoughtfully and strategically manage transformation.
Global technology platforms, he adds, should not be viewed exclusively as competitors, but as tools that can be integrated into business models, provided that clear standards are defined and professional principles preserved.
SOZ as a Platform for Dialogue
Within this framework, he sees the Association of Slovene Media as a key connector of stakeholders and a relevant interlocutor in shaping better conditions for sector development. Instead of searching for an “ideal” business model, the priority is the continuous improvement of operating conditions and open dialogue among all market participants.
Memedović’s mandate thus begins with a clear message: the future of Slovenian media will depend on balancing regulation and development, local strength and global technology, as well as the industry’s ability to strategically manage the changes ahead.
