FORUM 21 STILL OPPOSING FORMING OF TELEVISION AS PUBLIC INSTITUTION

ZAGREB, Jan 9 (Hina) - Forum 21, an association of journalists in electronic media, is opposing the government's suggestion that the Croatian Radio and Television (HRT) be defined as a public institution. Amendments to the final Law on HRT are expected to be forwarded to the government and parliament committees before they are voted on in parliament. According to Forum 21 representatives, the definition of the HRT as a public institution would create great influence of the current government authority on the functioning of the national radio and television, leaving HRT employees in the service of the government. The association holds defining the HRT as a company as a better solution. Forum 21 representatives suggested the radio and television should be separated into two different companies one year after the Law on HRT comes into effect. Also, they added, within half a year a parliament radio should be established, which would cover the parliament and units of local self-government and would broadcast via the Internet. The association members also suggested the radio should broadcast its programmes on three and the television on two programmes and two national networks, while Transmitters and communications should also be separated into two separate companies. Television subscription would be paid on an automatic basis, and the control over the HRT's work would be performed by courts, not executive authority bodies, they concluded. (hina) lml