Co-regulation mechanisms in broadcasting sphere focus of OSCE-supported conference in Ukraine

KYIV, 14 June 2011 – Models for co-regulating broadcasting in view of the transition from analogue to digital were discussed at a conference held by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine (PCU) and the country’s National Council on TV and Radio Broadcasting in Kyiv today.

The event gathered national broadcasting policy-makers, Ukrainian and international media experts and lawyers, representatives of media non-governmental organizations and broadcast media who shared views on how the digital switchover would transform the regulatory environment in Ukraine and discussed possibilities for co-regulation by the broadcast media and the regulator.

“Regulating media is always a challenge, as state authorities have to ensure media compliance with laws, without undermining broadcasters’ independence,” said Rene BeBeau, the PCU’s Senior Project Officer.   

“We hope that exchange of international experiences on co-regulation will inspire Ukrainian stakeholders to find the best way of maintaining the balance between the state’s duty to regulate on the one hand, and to protect media freedom on the other, in the face of challenges posed by the digital switchover,” he added.

The conference participants also discussed the possible impact of the digital transition  on media pluralism and freedom in Ukraine.

The event was organized under a PCU project initiated by the National Council of Ukraine on TV and Radio Broadcasting.