BENCHES URGE FORMING STATE RADIO-TV PROGRAMME COUNCIL

ZAGREB, June 13 (Hina)- The urgent forming of a Croatian Radio and Television (HRT) Programme Council and the implementation of other provisions contained in the Law on HRT, as well as tighter control of expenditure were the main conclusions of a parliamentary debate on a set of reports on HRT's business in 2000-1, the activities of its bodies, and ratings. #L# All benches pointed to the need of forming a Programme Council as soon as possible in order to introduce, especially in this pre- election year, a permanence in the management of HRT, its finances, and programme, instead of the current temporary state of affairs. Temporary management, MPs believe, adds to uncertainty and non- professionalism on HRT, while a permanent leadership would enable stable business operations at a time when the institution's market domination is diminishing and it has to "fight" against competition. The benches advocated a more efficient control of expenditure and compliance with contractual obligations, and supported the introduction of monitoring, i.e. an analysis of party representation in HRT programmes. At the conclusion of the discussion, HRT manager Mirko Galic said business in the next six months would be positive. Commenting on the demand by the majority of MPs that HRT introduce a monitoring scheme, he said that if the Programme Council were to introduce such a decision, then HRT would reintroduce it. Nevertheless, he proposed that the monitoring be conducted by an independent body and not HRT, and that this be foreseen in the bill on electronic media. Parliament President Zlatko Tomcic said that the 33rd session would continue on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week. (hina) sp ha