03. 09. 2004

Massari calls for transparency in Council elections

BELGRADE, September 3, 2004 (FoNet) – The head of the OSCE mission in Serbia-Montenegro, Maurizio Massari, has called for transparency in the election of new members of the Broadcast Agency Council. He described the coming nomination and election process and the ensuing operation of the council as critical for the future development of independent and professional broadcast media in Serbia. After the parliamentary adoption earlier this months of amendments to the Broadcast Act, the nine members of the Broadcast Council are to be elected by the end of this year. The Broadcast Act was originally passed in 2002, but the operation of the council, which is to act as the independent regulatory authority of the broadcasting media in Serbia, has been stalled over breaches of legal procedures in the appointment of members. “Transparency and independence from any political pressures and economic interests must prevail in the establishment and ongoing operation of the Broadcast Council,” said Massari.