The EBU’s DG Ingrid Deltenre has written to PM of Croatia Tihomir Oreskovic to express the Union’s concern about reported threats to the editorial and institutional independence of the public broadcaster HRT.
In the letter, she says the EBU is particularly worried about “reports of increased political pressure being placed on HRT´s management in recent weeks.”
“Independence from political and commercial pressure is a fundamental principle of public service media (PSM) in its role as a guarantor of freedom of expression and media pluralism.
She continues: “HRT – like all PSM – is owned by and accountable to its citizens alone. If there is criticism of the PSM – from whatever source – the proper entity to settle the complaint is the broadcaster’s self-regulatory mechanism, and as necessary the PSM´s supervisory body.”
The letter also praises the recent reforms implemented by HRT’s current management that have led to an increase in audience share and “trust of citizens”.
It concludes that: “mature democracies understand the critical role PSM plays in society, and the fundamental importance of ensuring a stable environment free from political pressure.”
“We trust that your government will respect this fundamental democratic principle and will ensure the continued institutional and editorial independence of Croatian public service media, in accordance with European Law.”
Broadband TV News notes that the EBU has also been critical of the changes have recently taken place at the Polish public broadcaster TVP.
