OSCE Mission in Skopje welcomes draft law on broadcasting

SKOPJE, 23 June 2005 - The OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje today welcomed the draft law on broadcasting put forth by the Government, which covers the regulation of the broadcast industry and the functioning of the public service.

"I hope that legislators will act quickly on this important law, keeping in mind the European directives and standards related to this influential industry," said Ambassador Carlos Pais, Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje.

"I am pleased that the drafting process involved the institutions that are impacted by the law, as well as various civil society groups and international experts."

The draft law, which was developed under the auspices of the Ministry of Transport and Communication, will now go to the Parliamentary Committee for discussion.

It includes measures that will ensure the independence of the public service, as well as of the Broadcast Regulatory Authority, both fundamental in a democratic society. It will also simplify and liberalise the licensing process for private broadcasters.