OSCE Representative discusses regulation of broadcast media and respect for media legislation with member of Serbia’s regulatory authority

VIENNA, 13 December 2018 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today met with Olivera Zekić, a member of Serbia’s Council of the Regulatory Authority of Electronic Media (REM), to discuss issues related to REM’s operation, including external influence and the need for independence. The meeting in Vienna took place following a request from the REM Council’s Deputy President.

Désir stressed the important role that a regulator plays in implementing relevant laws and creating a pluralistic and balanced media landscape.

Désir expressed concern that, for a long time, the REM Council has been functioning with only six out of nine members, as the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia has failed to appoint members who were proposed by civil society organizations.

“It is essential that the Regulatory Authority works at full capacity with the representation of civil society, in accordance with the Law on Electronic Media. I urge the relevant authorities to appoint the missing members without further delay,” stated Désir.

The OSCE Representative noted a large number of complaints by the media organizations regarding the work of the Regulator and that the Regulatory Authority did not continue its good practice of publishing media monitoring results for important events such as the 2016 parliamentary and the 2017 presidential elections, and of acting on all complaints.

“The OSCE is very closely involved in the process of drafting a new media strategy in Serbia as requested by the highest Serbian authorities, and I am glad that the issue of Regulatory Authority of Electronic Media played a role in this process. An independent and strong regulator is vital to creating the framework for further reform of the media sector,” said Désir.