12. 01. 2012

No new fees

Predrag Markovic, Minister of Culture, Media and Information Society

On started projects, supporting the media and saving

The state will withdraw from media ownership within set deadline

Belgrade, January 12, 2012. (Vecernje Novosti) - The Minister Markovic said that the government would not "tumble" any additional fees on the media after the adoption of "problematic" Law on Cinematography. In his interview for "Novosti" he says the opposite - that people will get a lot more from the culture for less money in this yaer. He also announced the withdrawal of the state from ownership in media outlets and adoption of new law on public information.

What achievements do you expect from the Media Strategy? Which laws would be adopted?

- Media strategy has established deadlines for the systemic regulation of this area and these deadlines are respected. We are currently working on the law on electronic media and the public competition for financing of media in 2012.

Do you expect the state to withdraw from all the media within two years?

- The exact period is 24 months after the establishment of legal basis.

Will the government ensure transparency of media ownership?

- Yes, by precise legal provisions. These provisions will be contained in the regulations to be brought or will be determined by a special law.

When will the Law on Public Information be amended?

- A working group for drafting the law is being established. The deadline for its adoption is 18 months from the adoption of the Strategy.

Can the state assist the media in financial hardship?

- The state regularly supports the media through competitions for funding quality programs. TV broadcasters facing financial dificulties are under the responsibility of the RRA and it have already taken appropriate steps within its jurisdiction.

What does the new Law on Cinematography bring? What is the reason for disrespecting the critics of media and journalists' associations?

- After 20 years, this area is a regulated system. It is good that journalists' associations react preventively based on false information. It is their job. It turned out that the law did not provide any new fees/taxes for media, nor for the citizens. On the contrary, we resorted to a solution which protected the electronic media.