Activity Details (ID# 7563)

Activity Synopsis

The objective of this activity was to emphasize the advantages of self-regulation where possible as opposed to State regulation of media. Within the framework of the main topic, the following subtopics were discussed: freedom of expression and self-regulation; co-regulation: an alternative method?; advantages of self-regulation and its limits; Journalists' Council of Honour: expectations and reality; Self-regulation - an overview of the Macedonian experience. 

The outcome of the Seminar can generally be positively assessed, first of all because the discussions showed increased awareness of the constitutional meaning of the right to free expression and information. The participants in the debate agreed that self-regulation, applied wherever possible, is the best method to protect the right to free expression. The participants' preparation was crucial for this outcome. The organisers provided relevant Council of Europe documents, such as the Guide to Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. 

The adoption of the conclusions was necessary for two reasons. Firstly, the discussions were especially dynamic during the debate on the conclusions. They were assessed as another guarantee against possible attempts to intervene legislatively in the freedom of expression. Secondly, the ethical dimension of journalism and professionalism as a basis for self-regulatory mechanisms was considered. This was defined in the conclusions as a need for permanent education of journalists, as well as of the other participants: the courts, the policy makers and civil servants, on the issues of the European standards and on their adequate application.

The organisers of the seminar are considering workshops, study travel and examination of the problems of regulation and self-regulation in addition to other issues of the European media regulations, starting with Article 10 of the ECHR.
A publication will be issued as a special product of the seminar, which will incorporate the speeches of the experts, the debate, the conclusions and the assessments of the seminar.
 

Representatives of the Macedonian media; spokespersons of the ministries and the international community; members of the Parliamentary commissions, competent on the issues of media legislation; representatives of the Broadcasting council, of the judiciary system and NGOs. 

Prof. Thomas Gibbons, School of Law, University of Manchester, UK
Mr Ronan Brady, Journalist, Ireland
Mr Vlado Kambovski, Faculty of Law, Skopje
Mr Roberto Belicanec, Executive director, Media Development Center, Skopje
Mr Mirce Adamcevski, Member, Council of Honour, Macedonian Journalists' Association
 

Ms Lejla Dervisagic, Media Division