With fewer than four million inhabitants, Croatia enjoys a modestly sized but diverse media sector. Half a dozen national newspapers are printed each day, but their ownership is concentrated. Three media companies (Styria, Hanza Media and Media Solutions) control the market. The two major privately owned television networks, Nova TV and RTL, provide national coverage, competing with the state-owned HTV, while most radio stations have only a local presence.

Working as a journalist in Croatia can be hazardous. Reporters investigating corruption, organised crime or war crimes, especially at the local level, are often victims of harassment campaigns. Physical assaults, threats, and cyber-violence represent a major problem with little response from the authorities. Government interference in the management of the public television channel HTV persists.

Since defamation and “humiliating” remarks are penalized in Croatia, SLAPP procedures are regularly used by politicians and business people to discourage journalists’ questions about their activities. Nearly 1,000 legal actions are underway against journalists and media outlets. In early 2024, the government proposed a bill that, according to journalists, risks silencing their sources by criminalising the disclosure of information about an ongoing investigation.

The Covid-19 pandemic has deepened the financial crisis that was already impacting Croatian media, leading to further lowering of editorial salaries. Since 2016, non-profit organisations have lost some of their financing, by decision of the government. In an attempt to deal with financial problems, major newspapers have increasingly agreed to partner with the government in holding events, which raises questions about media independence.

Crimes committed by Croatian forces during the War of Independence (1991-1995) remain a taboo subject. Journalists who deal with the issue may be targeted in harassment campaigns. Nationalist movements, and those close to the Catholic Church, are often behind these attacks. Reporters who investigate corruption, especially at the local level, endure attacks from organised crime gangs.

Although there have been no assassinations of journalists since 2008, physical assaults and intimidation of journalists occur every year, especially during demonstrations.