Activity Details (ID# 4995)

Activity Synopsis

Following the adoption of the broadcasting Law in July 2002, the general objective of this activity was to review the obstacles that were delaying the timely and proper implementation of this Law. The meeting's specific objectives were to propose means for the restructuring, transformation and independence of RTS, as well as for overcoming the stand-still situation at the Broadcasting Council, which was preventing the latter from any operational activity. 

The round-table was well organised. Participants received several background documents, including translation into Serbian of Council of Europe instruments on the independence of public service broadcasting and the independence and functions of regulatory authorities.

The debates were lively and proved useful. Concerning RTS, its financing, the handling of redundant employees and the nomination of a new management board were the key issues for restructuring that were discussed. The meeting received large media coverage. 

Participants insisted on the need that Parliament found a rapid solution to the current crisis within the Broadcasting Council. Concrete measures for the transformation of RTS, on the basis of recommendations by the IFJ and the OSCE, would also have to be taken. 

Deputy Minister for the Media , General Manager of Radio Television Serbia (RTS), media professionals and journalists union representatives from Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia Herzegovina and FYROM, representatives of the OSCE and IFJ 

Mr Boris Bergant, General Manager of Slovenian Radio Television (Slovenia) 

Mr Ramon Prieto Suarez, Media Division, Directorate General of Human Rights,
Ms Ljiljana Breberina, Programme Adviser, CoE Office in Belgrade