By: Nevena Šarenac
In an interview for ‘Sarajevo Times’, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović speaks about the importance of media freedom in the democratic development of a country, pointing out that freedom of expression and free media allows citizens to remain informed and exchange ideas and opinions freely. She says that even though B&H has good laws, there is a lack of proper implementation.
How relevant is media freedom for democratic processes in a certain country?
No nation can hope to develop democratically without free expression, publication and distribution of ideas and opinions. Democratic societies can only function sustainably when people are well informed, are able to access and share information freely and can debate ideas. From the OSCE perspective human rights, including freedom of expression are also an essential element of security. Free media, unfettered by government control, promotes a free exchange of views which can help reduce international tensions and prevent conflicts. Freedom of the media is indispensable in the digital age. New media, including the Internet, mobile communications and other fast-developing technologies, have supplemented, but not supplanted, traditional media in protecting democracy, peace and stability.
It is evident that the media in BiH are greatly exposed to political pressures. What is the main reason for this and how can we change it?
There are many elements and reasons for the problems facing the media in Bosnia and Herzegovina. These problems are not exclusive to the media in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is the reason I am bringing together people engaged in media and journalism from the whole region of South East Europe to share their experiences and find common answers to common problems.
Political pressures are just one problem that the media have to deal with. As this pressure can take many forms there is no one way to deal with it. However there are some basic things that need to be put in place to reduce the pressures. First of all the country needs to have good legislation. Good laws that guarantee their editorial and financial independence, that give voice to the citizens in how the broadcasters are run and managed. The broadcast regulator needs to be independent from any government or political control in order to stimulate the broadcast sector and encourage media pluralism. The journalists need to have their rights protected and the right of access to information needs to be enshrined in the law. These are just some of the basic elements that the countries in the region are dealing with.
Where does BiH stand compared to other countries in the region when it comes to media freedom?
My role is to point out where there are problems with regards to media freedom and freedom of expression in 57 countries of the OSCE. I do not produce a ranking of different countries but as somebody who was appointed by the Foreign Ministers of all 57 countries my job is to help all the countries improve. Twice a year I present my report to the OSCE Permanent Council and every time I point to problems and issues that need to be fixed in many of the countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina. All my reports are public and available on our website. The next one is scheduled for 28 November 2013.
Which legislative provisions (preconditions) that stem from the international media freedom standards need to be implemented in BiH?
Bosnia and Herzegovina has many good laws but the implementation is what lacks. For example, my office commissioned independent analysis and offered findings on the Freedom of Access to Information law and the Communications law – both currently under revision. However many of these laws are not fully implemented and in the case of the Freedom of Access to Information Law there is a proposal to make changes which would seriously restrict the right of the public and therefore of the journalists to access information on the work of the governments and other authorities
The Third South East Europe Media Conference is to take place in Tirana from 18-20 Sep. What will be its focus? What will your recommendations be?
The conference will focus on the role and independence of public service broadcasters, independence of regulatory authorities and the digital switchover in South East Europe. We expect more than 180 journalists, representatives of civil society, government and academics from the region, along with international experts. We will also discuss the current challenges to media freedom.
Regarding my recommendations, first I have to listen to the colleagues at the conference, and the discussion will shape the recommendations.
