RIJEKA HOSTS ROUND-TABLE DEBATE ON LOCAL MEDIA

RIJEKA, May 30 (Hina) - The electronic media bill, which passed the first reading in parliament, is likely to open between 600 and 800 jobs in local electronic media, representatives of Croatia's local TV stations said at a round-table debate in Rijeka on Friday. #L# Addressing the debate, Culture Minister Antun Vujic said that according to the bill, putting aside three percent from the Croatian Radio and Television subscription fee, would ensure about 30 million kuna (EUR3.9 mln) for the establishment of a fund for the protection of pluralism and diversity of electronic media. Under certain criteria, the sum would be distributed among local electronic media, which opens the possibility for local programme production, said Vujic. Denis Mikolic, president of the National Association of Local Televisions, said the electronic media bill was good. He said the fund for the protection of pluralism and diversity of electronic media could financially incite the employment of personnel with higher education on local TV stations. The participants in the round-table debate suggested setting up a council which would evaluate which local programmes deserved financial support from the fund. (EUR1 = 7.6 kuna) (hina) ha sb