Public advertisement distribution

22/11/2012 00:00

The European Union answered to the concern raised by Top Channel
regarding the way how the public advertisements are distributed to
private media outlets. On behalf of the High Representative Catherine
Ashton, the EU Ambassador in Tirana, Ettore Sequi, underlined the
significance of the freedom of media as a key element in the rule of law
area.

“The media freedom is a basic pillar of good governing and accountability in a democratic society, and an essential element of the Copenhagen political criteria afor the EU membership that should be fulfilled by each country that aspires EU membership. As such, this is one of the main challenges for the rule of law in the recent enlargement strategy of the European Commission. The EC is monitoring the developments in this area and has held a dialogue with the Albanian authorities, to support their efforts in reaching European standards. In the Enlargement Package 2012, the Commission underlines the significance of guaranteeing all media, despite their political orientation and preferences, to enjoy editorial independence and lack of inadequate pressures. It is essential to respect the rule of law and that the current legislation for the public advertisements should be implemented”, the letter says.

The EU concern for the public advertisement is involved in this progress-report, the chapter of freedom of speech.

“The editorial independence is still blocked by the economic and political interests. There are concerns that the public advertisements go to TVs that support the government”, the progress report declared.

The EU letter explains that on January, during a special seminary for the media freedom, they will discuss the problems and the solutions that are known in this area.

“This seminary will allow all institutions involved in the media freedom sector in Albania, the major international actors of this area and the Albania media community to present their analyses for the path that should be followed. The seminary will address some issues that were underlined in the European Commission Opinion and the recent progress report, such as slander, transparency, the open market, the public advertisements and the public broadcast independence”, the EU letter adds.

The European Union guarantees that they will follow this matter closely through the EU delegation in Albania and a systematic dialogue with the Albanian authorities.

Prepared by: Arta Tozaj

Top Channel