23. 08. 2012

THE FIRST YEAR OF MEDIA STRATEGY

Belgrade, August 23, 2012 (Novi Magazin) - With this strategic document, the former government has defined the steps in reforming the media field, while the new one announces the liberation of the media and journalists from self-censorship and more transparent ownership.

However, neither new competent ministry, nor Prime Minister's cabinet and the Parliament, need to adhere to the solutions prescribed in the drafts of the laws stipulated by the Strategy. In that sense, with the true implementation of the Strategy, it might all get back to the beginning of the process, but with twice shorter deadline, as the first half has already been "spent to nothing". The key issue is, however, whether new political and other centers of power are ready, unlike the former ones, to willingly give up on their ownership in media, as prescribed by the Strategy that enjoys EU support, or to renounce direct budget funding, influence, control and pressure on media.