Braathu (OSCE): Credibility of Electronic Media Watchdog Called into Question over Decision on TV Informer

REM (BETAPHOTO/MILOS MISKOV)

Jan Braathu, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) representative on freedom of the media, said that the credibility of the newly appointed Council of Serbia’s Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media (REM) has been called into question by its decision not to monitor TV Informer during the ongoing election campaign.

He also said that the REM Council meeting scheduled for Oct. 6 will be an opportunity to reconsider the scope of systematic monitoring of the election campaign.

“In accordance with my mandate as the OSCE representative on freedom of the media, I am closely following recent developments in the REM Council, including the concerns expressed by four of its members, as well as the statement issued by the REM Council president on Oct. 2,” Braathu told the Oct. 6 issue of Belgrade daily Danas, commenting on a letter sent by four REM Council members to international organizations.

He noted that an independent and fully functioning media regulator is a key guarantee of media freedom and pluralism in a democratic society.

“The outcome of the vote, as well as the concerns subsequently expressed by Council members, deserve attention. While fully respecting REM’s independence and without commenting on individual decisions made during the vote, it is crucial for the regulator to be able to fulfill its duties independently, effectively and transparently, particularly during the upcoming parliamentary elections,” Braathu said.