Activity Details (ID# 19229)

Activity Synopsis

The objective of the Round Table was to discuss with Montenegrin represetatives transparency of supervisory body of the public service broadcaster of the radio and television and to see what is experience of some neighbouring country. 

The presentation was focused on the topic of the Appointment of the Council of the public service-broadcaster following Council of Europe values and principles and all Council of Europe relevant documents and recommendations, etc: Recommendation No. R(96) 10, Committee of Ministers Declaration of the guarantee of the independence of the PBS in the member states. Also mentioned was an EBU model Law.
Particular emphasize was dedicated to;

• Powers of the Council
– Experience with different governance models (How members are appointed, who is appointed…)
• Positive/negative conditions
• Legal basis
• Election of chairman/vice chairman
• Possibility of dismissal
• Term of office
• Reappointment
• Positive conditions (for instance professional background)
• Negative conditions (for instance political posts)
• Accountability

The main problem raised by participants was actual appointment procedure of the Council members (it was mentioned that CoE experts already made some remarks and raised concerns in the period of drafting the Law on JRDS RTCG ) and lack of transparency and accountability. Mentioned was disputable provision of the Law on JRDS RTCG, namely Articles 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24.

The problem raised was also in certain interpretation of the Law.
 

Two main problems were noticed, namely accountability and transparency in the process of selection of Council members, and additionally a lack of internal rules and procedures in RTV specifying obligations and procedures of work of the Council members. Also noticed was lack of and Laws or rules re work of NGO’s in relation to nomination of the Council of the RTCG.

Before starting with any changes, in my view, there is need to work on the amendments of the Statute of RTCG. With these amendments many problematic issues could be solved. My suggestion would be to organise a meeting/round table with Council members, members from the Parliament and other interested parties in order to discuss main problems, raise issues that are not in line with CoE standards and to seek their active participation. Members of the Regulatory Agency (Council fro Broadcasting –ARD) from Monte Negro were very pro active participant and they raised very important issues and mentioned EU standards that should be complied with. It would be of interest if they can also be involved in this process.

It should be explored if there is a possibility for CoE to offer technical assistance for Monte Negro and to offer experts that can be involved in interpretation of the Law and amendment to a Statute.



 

The participants were representatives of NGOs, Regulatory Agency (ARD), OSCE, Association of the journalists and political parties.