04. 03. 2004

ANEM DEMANDS THE NEW GOVERNMENT RESOLVE PROBLEMS FACING MEDIA

The Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) seeks that the new government of the Republic of Serbia without delay resolve the numerous problems burdening the work of the broadcast media in Serbia.

In today’s statement, ANEM recalls the conclusions adopted at its assembly at the beginning of November last year, which stressed the need for the Serbian Parliament to act on the clear violations of the Broadcast Act during the election of the Republic Broadcast Agency Council. ANEM emphasises that this issue is of key importance in bringing order to the broadcast media sector in Serbia.

ANEM requests that the government propose to the Serbian Parliament its candidates for president and members of the Administrative Board of the Telecommunications Agency, since the election of this body is a necessary precondition for the scheduling of a public contest and distribution of broadcast licences in line with the regulations of the Broadcast Act. ANEM demands that the government undertake as soon as possible to adopt the Law on Freedom of Access to Information and the amendments to the Broadcast Act, which are supported by ANEM and NUNS, and which would correct the balance of authority within the Broadcast Agency Council.

From the authorised ministries, ANEM seeks the urgent adoption of the Regulations for Privatisation of State Media Companies, to allow the regulations of the Broadcast Act to be applied, which oblige the privatisation of these companies.

ANEM states its belief that the results of the new government in resolving the problems and securing reasonable conditions of professional work in the media sector, will be unhampered by political or economic pressure, and will provide a benchmark by which its achievements as a whole are judged.

Slobodan Stojsic
Chairman of ANEM Managing Board