14. 10. 2010

JOURNALISTS ON MEDIA STRATEGY

Belgrade, October 14, 2010 (B92) - Journalists' associations deem that transparency of ownership, withdraw of the state from the ownership over the media, and prohibition of monopoly as the main principles should be integral part of the Media Strategy.

After a number of discussions and round tables, representatives of ANEM, JAS (UNS), IJAS (NUNS), IJAV (NDNV) and Local Press presented their joint stands and proposals for drafting the Media Strategy.

The associations noted that the Ministry of Culture was currently working on draft Media Strategy, which should be presented to public during December.

"We believe that every change in ownership status must be noted the very second it occurs. We also deem important the revoke of the provision which prohibits the majority of ownership of foreign citizens and companies in the Serbian media", said ANEM President Sasa Mirkovic.

IJAS President Vukasin Obradovic noted that the financing of the news agency Tanjug from the state budget was unacceptable, proposing the privatization or transformation into the Government's press-bureau as only two acceptable models for its transformation with democratic foundation and in line with the obligations of Serbia towards the international institutions.

The associations also stated that opening of regional public services was unacceptable out of several reasons, however pointing out that they were willing to discuss the managing of these services with the competent ministry.

Lawyer Slobodan Kremenjak noted that the public service should separate revenues collected from TV fees and those from advertizing, while at the same time providing the thorough money track reports. The advertizing on public service should also be limited, by prohibiting interruption of programs with advertizing messages and by reducing the permitted advertizing quotas.