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OSCE Mission issues statement on the appointment of the Broadcasting Council in Serbia
BELGRADE 24 February 2005
BELGRADE, 24 February 2005 - The Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia and Montenegro, Ambassador Maurizio Massari, has issued the following statement on the recent appointment of the Republican Broadcasting Agency Council by the National Assembly of Serbia:
"The work of the Broadcasting Council is crucial for the future development of independent and professional broadcast media in Serbia. It is essential that the regulatory authority operate transparently and independently from any political forces and economic interests.
In this context, the OSCE Mission regrets that despite efforts undertaken by the Parliamentary Board for Culture and Information, the possibility foreseen by the Broadcasting Law to hold public hearings prior to the appointment was not seized by the legislator.
The adoption of the broadcasting development strategy, the tendering and issuing of broadcasting licences, the supervision of the work of broadcasters in Serbia and of the consistent application of the Broadcasting Law are key among the Broadcasting Council's competences and duties. The role that the Council will play to enable the complete transformation of RTS into a public service broadcaster is also critical.
Without the prompt establishment of the Telecommunication Agency, the Broadcasting Council would not be able to operate fully.
Furthermore, the OSCE Mission recommends that the National Assembly swiftly addresses the material omission that occurred during the drawing of lots which is to determine the duration of Council's members' mandates.
The OSCE Mission will continue to engage with the Serbian government, broadcasters and interested parties in the ongoing reforms in the media sector."
"The work of the Broadcasting Council is crucial for the future development of independent and professional broadcast media in Serbia. It is essential that the regulatory authority operate transparently and independently from any political forces and economic interests.
In this context, the OSCE Mission regrets that despite efforts undertaken by the Parliamentary Board for Culture and Information, the possibility foreseen by the Broadcasting Law to hold public hearings prior to the appointment was not seized by the legislator.
The adoption of the broadcasting development strategy, the tendering and issuing of broadcasting licences, the supervision of the work of broadcasters in Serbia and of the consistent application of the Broadcasting Law are key among the Broadcasting Council's competences and duties. The role that the Council will play to enable the complete transformation of RTS into a public service broadcaster is also critical.
Without the prompt establishment of the Telecommunication Agency, the Broadcasting Council would not be able to operate fully.
Furthermore, the OSCE Mission recommends that the National Assembly swiftly addresses the material omission that occurred during the drawing of lots which is to determine the duration of Council's members' mandates.
The OSCE Mission will continue to engage with the Serbian government, broadcasters and interested parties in the ongoing reforms in the media sector."