30. 07. 2014

Tasovac: Unbiased information, exit of state from media

The Law on Public Information and the Media is the umbrella law here, Tasovac said while presenting three media bills put forward - on public information, on electronic media and on public service broadcasters.

Tasovac pointed out that these laws were guaranteeing media freedom in line with European standards and stated the goals behind their adoption.

"The goals are to create the conditions for professional media, establishing a framework that guarantees free flow of ideas and opinions, without interference by the government that would be inhibiting, clearly defined public interest, funding, protection of the rights of editors and journalists and encouraging journalists' association, protection of minors, and prohibition of hate speech," he said.

Tasovac said the bill provided for the state's withdrawal from ownership in the media, the deadline for privatization of July 1, 2015 and a five-year commitment on the part of a privatized media outlet to maintain the same line of work as before privatization.

"If the capital is not sold by July 1, 2015, the sale procedure will be suspended and shares offered to employees, and if the employees reject the offer, the capital ceases to exist and will be deleted from the registry of the media," said Tasovac.