European Commission: Media reform key priority

The implementation of Serbia's Media Strategy, especially as it pertains to the transparency of media ownership and funding, "is a key priority."

Izvor: FoNet

Monday, 22.07.2013.

11:16

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BRUSSELS The implementation of Serbia's Media Strategy, especially as it pertains to the transparency of media ownership and funding, "is a key priority." It is now the case "more than ever in light of the European Council's decision to open accession talks with Serbia," the European Commission's Directorate General for Enlargement has announced, Beta is reporting. European Commission: Media reform key priority In a letter which European Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule charged EU chief of relations with Serbia Myriam Ferran with sending to the FoNet and Beta news agencies, Ferran said that tangible support was necessary in this area. The initial deadlines specified in the Media Strategy have already not been met, specifically March 2013, when the authorities were due to adopt regulations which would set the status of the Tanjug state news agency and other state-owned and state-funded media outlets, Ferran said in the letter. Ferran further said that the alignment of state financing of the media at various levels with rules on state financial aid, including state funding through commercial campaigns, needed to be "completely assured." The missive also stated that Serbia's culture and media minister had recently been asked to officially consult with the European Commission on the country's latest public information and electronic media bill to avoid any conflict with EU legislation. FoNet and Beta a month ago addressed the European Commission to point out to the state interventionism in the media sphere that they said was threatening free competition and the business of the media in Serbia. The news agencies also said that the media reform was being delayed meant that the state was attempting to prolong the budget financing of the media, postponing the transition toward their project financing through public competitions and the exit of the state from the media. (Beta/AP, file) FoNet Beta

European Commission: Media reform key priority

In a letter which European Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule charged EU chief of relations with Serbia Myriam Ferran with sending to the FoNet and Beta news agencies, Ferran said that tangible support was necessary in this area.

The initial deadlines specified in the Media Strategy have already not been met, specifically March 2013, when the authorities were due to adopt regulations which would set the status of the Tanjug state news agency and other state-owned and state-funded media outlets, Ferran said in the letter.

Ferran further said that the alignment of state financing of the media at various levels with rules on state financial aid, including state funding through commercial campaigns, needed to be "completely assured."

The missive also stated that Serbia's culture and media minister had recently been asked to officially consult with the European Commission on the country's latest public information and electronic media bill to avoid any conflict with EU legislation.

FoNet and Beta a month ago addressed the European Commission to point out to the state interventionism in the media sphere that they said was threatening free competition and the business of the media in Serbia.

The news agencies also said that the media reform was being delayed meant that the state was attempting to prolong the budget financing of the media, postponing the transition toward their project financing through public competitions and the exit of the state from the media.

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