08. 08. 2005

Proposed amendments to broadcast law would threaten media independence

"If these amendments are passed, they will leave the broadcast media at the mercy of the regional authorities during the 2008 municipal elections," the press freedom organisation said. "We also regret that the government has presented this as a fait accompli instead of first consulting with broadcast media executives, who will be the first to be affected." The proposed amendments would postpone the privatisation of local broadcast media from next summer until the end of 2008, thereby leaving them under government control until after the 2008 municipal elections. One of the amendments would also delay the transformation of the state-run Serbian Radio Television (RTS) into a public service group until 20 April 2006. This was originally scheduled to take place at the end of January 2003. The method of naming the members of the Broadcasting Council would also change. Those appointed by the government would remain in office for six years, while those appointed by NGOs and professional organisations would hold their positions for only four years. At the same time, the government would revoke the veto over all decisions concerning the multi-ethnic province of Voivodina presently held by those members of the Broadcasting Council who are named by the province's representatives. Fines for pirate radio operators would also increase significantly. The Association of Independent Broadcast Media, the Association of Journalists of Serbia and the Union of Nezavisnost Media all called on the government to withdraw the amendments on 3 August.