19. 03. 2013

Free media key for democracy and EU integration

Belgrade, 19.3.2013. (Tanjug) - Representatives of international organisations supporting the reform of media scene in Serbia stated on Tuesday that the freedom of the media is one of the key elements in the construction of a democratic society and the process of European integration.

At the ending debate within the public discussion on the draft law on public information and the media, representatives of OSCE, the European Commission and the British Embassy attached most attention to the issue of the government's ownership in the media and the transparency of project funding which would create equal conditions on the media market.

Head of the EU Office in Serbia Vincent Degert expressed the hope that some of the vague points and faults in the laws would be removed until the end of the process of law adjustments since the public discussion will end on March 22.

Degert also expects the law to remove a number of disharmonies among laws regulating the government's ownership in the media.He also said that national minorities in Serbia need their own media but there are various ways to make this possible, which is why the authorities need to see how to ensure objective and unbiased information service to members of minorities.

British Ambassador Michael Davenport underscored that the existence of free media is one of the basic prerequisites for the existence of a democratic society, adding that the public in Great Britain is currently discussing the new potential models of press regulation and looking for answers to challenges the media and citizens are facing in the public information sector.The ultimate goal of the talks in London and the discussions organised by the OSCE mission in Serbian cities is the same - to find high-quality solutions which would regulate the information sector adequately, ensure media freedoms and pluralism, Davenport stated.

OSCE Deputy Head in Serbia Paula Thiede expressed the hope that the adoption of the umbrella law in the information sector would regulate the position of the media and freedom of information in Serbia.

Thiede underscored that she encourages the government's willingness to withdraw from ownership in the media and added that it is important for the government to provide transparent assistance to the media through public tenders and with respect of equal laws for everyone.