Slovenians in a referendum on Sunday backed a bill to reduce political influence and restore editorial independence to the EU country's public television, VOA News reports.

Media and civil organizations have slammed what they see as biased coverage by RTV Slovenia — the country's public broadcaster with more than 2000 employees. Its current management was appointed by the former conservative government.

The ruling center-left coalition, which won elections in April, passed the bill to reform RTVS shortly after taking power. It tasks civil society institutions and groups with the supervision of the station and prevents the government and parliament from appointing new managers after every election.

Former Premier Janez Jansa's Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) had requested the referendum in a last-ditch effort to thwart the bill, after gathering the 40.000 signatures necessary under Slovenian legislation to call the vote.

More than 62% of voters backed the bill, clearing the way for it to take effect, according to data published by the country's electoral commission. Around 38% voted against it.

During his two years in office between 2020 and 2022, Jansa often slammed critical media reports, including launching personal attacks against journalists.

His SDS replaced most of RTVS' directors and the news program chief editor, resulting in protests over axed shows, reassigned journalists and other moves deemed to interfere with media freedom.

Slovenia's press freedom rating has slumped from 36th to 54th place, according to a 2022 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) report.