OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir discusses media reforms, welcomes positive steps in Skopje
SKOPJE, 15 November 2017- The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir, during his visit to Skopje today, commended several positive media reforms while underlining the need to improve the general media situation in the county.
During his meeting with the Prime Minister Zoran Zaev the Representative discussed changes to the legislation on audio-visual media, public service media reform and the safety of journalists. Désir welcomed the decision by the new government to put media freedom at the top of its agenda.
He also met with Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov, the Speaker of Parliament Talat Xhaferi, the Interior Minister Oliver Spasovski, the Minister for Information Society and Administration Damjan Mancevski, and the Minister without portfolio in charge of communications, accountability and transparency Robert Popovski.
In his meetings, Désir discussed draft amendments to the law on audio and audio-visual media services as proposed by the Ministry for Information Society and Administration. The Office of the Representative has been working closely with the Ministry and commissioned a legal review of the draft law. The Representative offered his continued assistance during the legislative process.
The full text of the legal review is available here https://www.osce.org/fom/356701.
“My Office will continue to be engaged in providing all the necessary assistance in this very important process. I welcome the active engagement of journalists’ associations and non-governmental and civil society organizations in public consultations regarding the draft law,” Désir said, highlighting the need for the drafting process to be open and transparent.
Désir also addressed the issue of the Public Service Media, its role and the challenges that need to be addressed. “The Public Service Media requires a model of financing that will not, in any way, undermine its independence and will ensure it is able to perform its public service mission. In order to implement these much needed reforms, it is very important that it remains an institution with high professional standards, free from political pressure and in service of all citizens,” Désir said.
One of the topics discussed during the visit was the safety of journalists. “Safety is one of the main conditions for a free and open media. I am glad to hear that the Government will treat this issue as a priority,” Désir said, adding that the perpetrators of several attacks against media professionals in the country must be brought to justice.
The Representative also welcomed some positive reforms in the media sector, including the Government’s decision to ensure journalists free access to documents from the Central Register and the Agency for Real Estate Cadastre and to cut Government advertising in all media outlets.
During his visit, Désir also met with media professionals, including representatives of journalists’ associations, the Council of Media Ethics, the Independent Trade Union of Journalists and Media Workers, the Institute for Communication Studies, the Public Service Broadcaster, and the Agency for Audio and Audio-visual Media Services. They discussed the general media situation in the country, the current challenges and future co-operation.
“I appreciate very much the constructive dialogue with authorities and the media community and hope that our co-operation will result in an improved media landscape in the country,” Désir concluded.
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.