ZAGREB, Sept 14 (Hina) - A group of electronic media reporters organised in "Forum 21" on Tuesday presented their suggestions on covering the election campaign on Croatian Television and in local electronic media. The proposal, Forum
21 representatives said, is aimed at securing unbiased media and an equal treatment of political parties and coalitions which will participate in the upcoming elections for the Croatian National Sabor's House of Representatives. Presenting the suggestions, Forum 21 president Damir Matkovic said they also envisaged the establishment of a commission of five members, including the ombudsman (president), one representative of the parliamentary majority and minority each, and two non-party representatives. Forum 21 further suggests that the elections be covered on three TV channels, with most of election-related programmes being covered on the third channel, which broadcasts reg
ZAGREB, Sept 14 (Hina) - A group of electronic media reporters
organised in "Forum 21" on Tuesday presented their suggestions on
covering the election campaign on Croatian Television and in local
electronic media.
The proposal, Forum 21 representatives said, is aimed at securing
unbiased media and an equal treatment of political parties and
coalitions which will participate in the upcoming elections for the
Croatian National Sabor's House of Representatives.
Presenting the suggestions, Forum 21 president Damir Matkovic said
they also envisaged the establishment of a commission of five
members, including the ombudsman (president), one representative
of the parliamentary majority and minority each, and two non-party
representatives.
Forum 21 further suggests that the elections be covered on three TV
channels, with most of election-related programmes being covered
on the third channel, which broadcasts regional programmes.
It is also proposed that a time limit be imposed on election
campaigning, so that viewers could follow other programmes as well.
Forum 21 suggests that election programmes be broadcast in all
periods but that there should be the least such programmes in prime
time (from 8 to 22 pm). It is also proposed that the quantity of time
allocated to each party be calculated on the basis of the percentage
of votes a party won in the last elections.
Another suggestion concerns the introduction of "autonomous pre-
election broadcasts", which would be edited by individual parties
and HTV would only provide technical services. Such programmes
would account for one third of the time envisaged for the coverage
of the election campaign.
The group also suggests that the central news broadcast be excluded
from the quota. The central news broadcast would be edited in line
with the principle "bona fide", and party activities would be
covered in other programmes.
The allowed quota of paid election commercials would be 10 minutes
at most.
HRT journalists and hosts should decide on their own whether to
participate in party campaigns or perform their regular duties.
Forum 21 also believes that state officials should be bound not to
use their positions for promoting their own party, meaning that
party candidates cannot appear in other TV programmes, such as talk
shows.
(hina) jn rml