OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes new initiative aiming to strengthen media self-regulation in North Macedonia

VIENNA, 18 December 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed his support for the registry on self-regulation of online media in North Macedonia, which was announced today by the Council of Media Ethics together with the Association of Journalists of Macedonia and the Economic Chamber.

“Media self-regulation is a useful mechanism for promoting quality information, safeguarding editorial freedom and strengthening media credibility,” said Désir.

The initiative seeks to promote self-regulation of online media through, among other things, transparent funding; committing online media to respect the Code of Journalists; and publishing decisions by the Council of Media Ethics.

“I hope this joint work by several organizations in North Macedonia will be useful to online media platforms as well as to the wider media community,” concluded Désir.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.