About - Slovak Media Monitor

Who We Are

The Slovak Media Monitor (SMM) is a non-profit watchdog initiative dedicated to bridging the information gap between Slovak political discourse and the international community. Operated by the Institute for Resilience Building (IRB), a Slovak civil society organization, SMM curates, translates, and publishes key content from Slovak political figures, journalists, and experts. By providing transparent insights into actions and policies that impact democracy, the rule of law, and media freedom, we ensure that critical developments within Slovakia’s political landscape are clearly communicated to global audiences, fostering international engagement and accountability.

At the Helm

SMM is currently led by Victor Breiner, the Executive Director of the IRB. Victor brings extensive experience in strategic communication and countering hybrid threats to our mission. His career includes serving as Senior Advisor on Hybrid Threats at the Office of the Defence Minister and as Director of the Hybrid Threats and Strategic Communication Unit at the Ministry of Defence of Slovakia. With a background as an independent war correspondent and journalist, reporting from conflict zones and contributing to prominent media outlets such as Die Welt, STERN, Libération, and Agence France-Presse, Victor’s expertise is instrumental in guiding SMM’s efforts to uphold democratic accountability.

Victor holds a Master of Arts in International Security Studies from the University of Leicester, where his dissertation focused on the “Framework for Political Propaganda in a Globalised World.” He also earned a Master’s degree in German Language and Literature from the University of Prešov. Additionally, Victor has completed advanced training on hybrid threats and strategic communications, including the “Irregular Warfare and Hybrid Threats” programme at the George C. Marshall Center (2023) and the NATO Strategic Communications Foundation course at NATO School Oberammergau (2022).

About the Institute for Resilience Building (IRB)

The IRB addresses threats to democracy, foreign malign influence, and information interference, alongside critical issues like good governance, strategic communication, the rule of law, human rights, freedom of speech, the vitality of civil society, as well as modern education and environmental sustainability—all of which contribute to building resilience against new threats to democracy. By empowering key societal actors—particularly civil society organisations—and disseminating value-driven content, the IRB strengthens resilience against malicious foreign interference and upholds the foundational principles of democratic governance. This comprehensive approach supports SMM’s mission to foster international awareness, promote democratic accountability, and maintain the integrity of an open society.

Our Work

At the Slovak Media Monitor, we are committed to providing timely and accurate information that enhances international understanding of Slovakia’s political landscape. We monitor public discourse, media sources, and expert commentary, translating critical content into English. Our work includes producing curated weekly briefings and multimedia content, with subtitled videos, to make important developments accessible to a global audience. By delivering transparent insights into actions and policies affecting democracy and the rule of law, we aim to foster international engagement and support for democratic principles in Slovakia.

Commitment to Transparency and Accuracy

The Slovak Media Monitor is steadfast in its commitment to providing clear and accurate translations, along with carefully curated content that aligns with the highest journalistic standards. Although we are not strictly a journalistic outlet but a media watchdog, we nonetheless adhere to the Ethical Code of Journalism of the Press-Digital Council of the Slovak Republic. This ensures that our work meets the principles of integrity and professionalism expected in the field of journalism. We prioritize transparency in our reporting, ensuring that our international audience has reliable access to understand Slovakia’s political environment. Our dedication to accuracy and impartiality builds trust and reinforces the integrity of an open society.

Financial Independence

Financial independence is the cornerstone of our integrity as a watchdog organization. The Slovak Media Monitor was conceived as a direct result of a successful crowdfunding campaign, which demonstrated overwhelming public support for our mission. To ensure transparency, we include a link to the original campaign for those interested in learning more. We are proud to operate solely on individual donations and crowdfunding, free from the influence of corporate, political, or governmental entities. Supported by the dedication of over 1,650 individuals committed to democracy, liberal values, and an open society—and driven by their desire to counter authoritarian tendencies and foreign interference—we are empowered to pursue an impartial and transparent approach dedicated entirely to upholding democratic accountability. This model of public support ensures our objectivity and legitimacy, reinforcing our commitment to serving the public interest.

Long-Term Vision

Our dedication to democratic accountability drives us to explore sustainable ways to continue our work beyond September 2025. As we approach this milestone, we remain committed to providing reliable insights into Slovakia’s political affairs and fostering international awareness in support of democracy. We aim to enhance our services, expand our reach, and encourage our supporters to contribute suggestions for content translation and inclusion. By continually adapting and strengthening our efforts, we strive to maintain the integrity of an open society and support the foundational principles of democratic governance.

Our Supporters