International Advisory Group presents its report on future of Kosovo's media

PRISTINA, 7 October 2002 - The International Advisory Group to the Task Force on the Independent Media Commission (IMC) recommends to the Special Representative of the Secretary General that media regulation be established under the IMC and that Radio Television Kosovo should have mixed funding: licence fees and advertising.

It also sends a clear message to Kosovo radio and television stations: stop fighting for a small advertising pie and start co-operating to develop the advertising market, grow as broadcasters, and strengthen the economy.

The Group, Stephen Claypole, Michel Gregoire and Horst Wegner, was selected by the Task Force of Kosovo broadcasters and international donors, chaired by the Temporary Media Commissioner. The SRSG had asked the Task Force to review the advertising market for local broadcasters.

Yesterday, the Group presented a report to the SRSG with unanimous recommendations. Its main conclusions are:

• that a coherent regulatory framework be established as quickly as possible under a properly constituted Independent Media Commission (IMC), in line with European normative and best practices;



• that the European concept of financing Public Broadcasting by a mix of public and commercial funding is the most effective way of serving the viewers and listeners and the particular cultural needs of Kosovo, and that this funding should be regulated;



• that media, advertisers and intermediaries co-operate and create and association to supervise audience measurement, set up self-regulation, and monitor the expenditures for advertising.