Newsroom
Temporary Media Commissioner implements Broadcast Code of Conduct
PRISTINA 15 September 2000
PRISTINA, 15 September 2000 - The Temporary Media Commissioner (TMC) has approved the Broadcast Code of Conduct, consistent with standard European democratic practice and as part of the licensing process for radio and television broadcasters.
This Code of Conduct, which establishes both the rights and the obligations of the broadcast media, makes comprehensive reference to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including Article 19 - "the right to freedom of expression". It also cites the European Convention on Human Rights, including Article 10 which defines the reasonable limitations which may be imposed on this right.
The Code, which sets the standards for radio and television in Kosovo, spells out generally accepted norms and responsibilities similar to those contained in other European codes applicable to the broadcast media. These include requirements for fairness, accuracy and impartiality in all reporting; distinguishing clearly between fact and opinion; making every effort to establish that the material they broadcast is true; and refraining from promoting the interests of one political party or point of view to the exclusion of others.
Under the Code, radio and television stations may not broadcast any material, which encourages criminal activity or violence. Unless expressly permitted to do so by the justice authorities, they are also prohibited from attributing criminal responsibility to anyone before that person has been found guilty in a court of law. Specific information about an individual alleged to have committed a crime, including their name or a picture, cannot be broadcast unless authorisation has been given by authorities responsible for the administration of justice. This includes the police and the judiciary.
In addition, the Code calls on the broadcast media here to respect Kosovo's ethnic, cultural and religious diversity, including minority languages, and to respect the laws in Kosovo which apply to media-related activities, including electoral rules, in all its programming.
Broadcasters are also required to extend the right to reply, to broadcast corrections and to allow the public to make complaints.
This week, the Office of the TMC, Simon Haselock, published the list of radio and television stations whose applications for a permit have been approved. In order to receive their temporary operating permits to broadcast legally in Kosovo, all the successful applicants are obliged to sign up to the Code of Conduct.
The broadcast Code was drawn up in consultation with the Kosovo Media Policy Advisory Board. Opinions and suggestions were sought from the Association of the Media of Kosovo. Advice on it was also received from international media and journalism bodies, including the International Federation of Journalists, Article 19 and the legal section of the Soros Foundation.
Broadcasters found to be in breach of the Code of Conduct may be sanctioned by the TMC.
For further information contact Press and Public Information, OSCE Mission in Kosovo, tel. +381 38 500 162 or by e-mail: press@omik.org. Additional information on website: www.osce.org/kosovo
This Code of Conduct, which establishes both the rights and the obligations of the broadcast media, makes comprehensive reference to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including Article 19 - "the right to freedom of expression". It also cites the European Convention on Human Rights, including Article 10 which defines the reasonable limitations which may be imposed on this right.
The Code, which sets the standards for radio and television in Kosovo, spells out generally accepted norms and responsibilities similar to those contained in other European codes applicable to the broadcast media. These include requirements for fairness, accuracy and impartiality in all reporting; distinguishing clearly between fact and opinion; making every effort to establish that the material they broadcast is true; and refraining from promoting the interests of one political party or point of view to the exclusion of others.
Under the Code, radio and television stations may not broadcast any material, which encourages criminal activity or violence. Unless expressly permitted to do so by the justice authorities, they are also prohibited from attributing criminal responsibility to anyone before that person has been found guilty in a court of law. Specific information about an individual alleged to have committed a crime, including their name or a picture, cannot be broadcast unless authorisation has been given by authorities responsible for the administration of justice. This includes the police and the judiciary.
In addition, the Code calls on the broadcast media here to respect Kosovo's ethnic, cultural and religious diversity, including minority languages, and to respect the laws in Kosovo which apply to media-related activities, including electoral rules, in all its programming.
Broadcasters are also required to extend the right to reply, to broadcast corrections and to allow the public to make complaints.
This week, the Office of the TMC, Simon Haselock, published the list of radio and television stations whose applications for a permit have been approved. In order to receive their temporary operating permits to broadcast legally in Kosovo, all the successful applicants are obliged to sign up to the Code of Conduct.
The broadcast Code was drawn up in consultation with the Kosovo Media Policy Advisory Board. Opinions and suggestions were sought from the Association of the Media of Kosovo. Advice on it was also received from international media and journalism bodies, including the International Federation of Journalists, Article 19 and the legal section of the Soros Foundation.
Broadcasters found to be in breach of the Code of Conduct may be sanctioned by the TMC.
For further information contact Press and Public Information, OSCE Mission in Kosovo, tel. +381 38 500 162 or by e-mail: press@omik.org. Additional information on website: www.osce.org/kosovo