01. 11. 2012

Petkovic: Redefinition of media strategy underway

Belgrade, November 1, 2012 (Tanjug) - Serbian Minister of Culture Bratislav Petkovic said that redefinition of the media strategy and harmonization of media bills are underway, adding that talks were held with International Radio Serbia (Radio Yugoslavia), the publishing house Yugoslav Survey and the Tanjug news agency about the state's withdrawal from ownership of media outlets. Sladjana Pavic has more.

As for International Radio Serbia and the Yugoslav Survey, it has been proposed to transform their ownership within the proposed amendments to the media laws, said Petkovic. At the conference marking 15 years of development of independent media as organized by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and IREX, the Minister told the press that the Tanjug leadership is ready for ownership transformation and market operations, which is why models under consideration exist in European practice and enable Tanjug not to jeopardize the work of other private agencies.

U.S. Ambassador to Serbia Michael Kirby welcomed the commitment of the Minister of Culture and Information Bratislav Petkovic, and the Serbian Government to continue to implement reforms in the media sector, including the media strategy.

IREX Vice President Mark Whitehouse stated that his organization and USAID have been supporting development of independent media in Serbia for 15 years already. IREX is an international NGO implementing in Serbia the media support program funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) through donations, and organizing various courses, workshops, and consultations.