ZAGREB, Dec 28 (Hina) - 'Forum 21', which gathers reporters from the electronic media in the country, has not yet been satisfied with the final bill on the Croatian Radio and Television (HRT), although it holds the final draft act has
incorporated earlier remarks and objections of journalists and experts. Forum 21 proposes the alteration of some key segments in the HRT bill, and therefore it will hold the second public debate on this matter, scheduled for 9 January. After that it will forward its amendments to the bill. After the Government forwarded the HRT final bill to the Sabor into the second reading, the Forum 21 executive committee expressed its stand that neither the Croatian Television (HTV) nor the Radio (HR) could any longer maintain their monopolistic position. Therefore, this body advocates the competitiveness among electronic media at the national level, read a statement signed by t
ZAGREB, Dec 28 (Hina) - 'Forum 21', which gathers reporters from the
electronic media in the country, has not yet been satisfied with the
final bill on the Croatian Radio and Television (HRT), although it
holds the final draft act has incorporated earlier remarks and
objections of journalists and experts.
Forum 21 proposes the alteration of some key segments in the HRT
bill, and therefore it will hold the second public debate on this
matter, scheduled for 9 January. After that it will forward its
amendments to the bill.
After the Government forwarded the HRT final bill to the Sabor into
the second reading, the Forum 21 executive committee expressed its
stand that neither the Croatian Television (HTV) nor the Radio (HR)
could any longer maintain their monopolistic position. Therefore,
this body advocates the competitiveness among electronic media at
the national level, read a statement signed by the Forum 21 chairman
Drago Pilsel.
It also accepts proposals and criticism expressed at a 20 December
round table on the HRT law.
Forum 21 advocates that the HRT should not be defined as a public
company, as in such case - in accordance with the law on public
institutions - workers will be the Government's employees who
should answer to the executive authorities.
It also advocates that the HTV, HR and the system of relays and
transmitters for broadcasting should become three separate
companies, owned by the state, within one year.
The division of the assets should be proposed and carried out by an
independent house.
According to the forum, the HTV should broadcast programmes on two
national channels, whereas the third channel should be offered at a
public invitation for bids to private concession-holders.
The Croatian Radio (HR) should retain three channels as the third
channel presents the protection of the cultural and national
identity.
Forum 21 refuses the proposed model for the election of the HRT
Council, and hopes that a discussion by experts should point to most
suitable ways for the election of members of that body. Regarding
the Council's authorities and duties, it should appoint the heads
and chief editors of the radio (HR) and television (HTV) in
accordance to applications sent at the public competition.
Forum 21 criticises the act's article under which the television
subscription fee should be defined by the national parliament, and
proposed that this fee should be determined by automatism so that
its amount represents some percentage of the average salary in
Croatia for the purpose of ensuring the independence of the
possible companies.
The audit of business activities in the HTV and the HR should be
conducted by an independent audit company, besides the state
audit.
(hina) ms