Independent broadcast regulators crucial for enhancing media pluralism, says OSCE media freedom representative

ISTANBUL, 26 March 2012- The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, underlined the crucial role independent regulatory authorities play in ensuring media pluralism at the opening of a master class on broadcast regulation in Central Asia and the South Caucasus in Istanbul today.

The three-day event is organized by the Office of the Representative on Freedom of the Media in co-operation with Albany Associates, an international communications firm that works with governments and broadcast regulatory agencies.

More than 40 representatives of broadcasting regulatory authorities, legal experts in the field of broadcast regulation, legislators and civil society representatives from countries in Central Asia and the South Caucasus are taking part.

“Our master class is an innovative comprehensive training workshop offering concrete recommendations, examples and best practices on how effective regulation can enrich societies by creating a vibrant and pluralistic media landscape,” said the Representative.

“Although the media landscape and the regulatory mechanisms in the countries discussed here are all different, the principle to be observed remains the same - independent regulation should increase and not limit media freedom and diversity of opinions.”

The governments of Ireland, Finland, Luxembourg, Turkey and the United States provided financial support for the event.

More information on the master class is available at //www.osce.org/fom/88783.