Two draft laws currently being developed by the Serbian government could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s media industry.
Several bodies including the International Press Institute (IPI) and Serbia’s Coalition for Media Freedom have recently released statements critical of the laws, which they believe run counter to the previously agreed media strategy adopted by the government in 2020.
In their view, the draft versions of the Law on Public Information and Media and the Law on Electronic Media, if adopted, would first and foremost block reforms at the Regulatory Body for Electronic Media (REM) and pave the way for the return to full state ownership of private media.
REM is in many quarters seen as an ineffective regulator, lacking in independence and making politically motivated decisions. It faced strong criticism last year for the manner in which it re-awarded national TV licences to four broadcasters supportive of the government and it is argued that the draft Law on Electronic Media would reinforce political control of the body.
The bodies also believe that the proposed Law on Public Information and Media would fail to legally ensure all media meet ethical standards to receive public co-financing funding. In their view, this could disadvantage media that abide by professional standards.
Furthermore, they highlight the fact that both draft laws essentially allow for the return to state co-ownership of private media. This is not allowed under current legislation and could have far-reaching consequences for the incumbent telco Telekom Srbija, which is currently 58.11% owned by the state, with the Treasury holding a further 20% of shares. It is argued that the telco already owns media interests – either directly or indirectly – against existing regulations and the draft laws would legitimise its actions.
Ultimately, the draft laws run counter to the Serbian government’s media strategy, which was formulated with the help of media organisations and civil society. The strategy was also endorsed by the EU, and Serbia is doing itself no favours in its accession bid.
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