IMC ISSUES BROADCASTING BANS TO 1 RADIO AND 2 TV STATIONS IN BOSNIA

SARAJEVO, Oct 6 (Hina) - The Independent Media Commission (IMC) in Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday issued temporary broadcasting bans to two television and one radio station for violating editorial policy rules aimed at ensuring unbiased and balanced reporting. The IMC said in a statement issued to the media in Sarajevo 90-day bans were given to 'Radio Drvar' in the Croat-Muslim federation, and the 'Kanal S' and 'Sveti Georgije' television stations in Bosnia's other entity, Republika Srpska. The ban for 'Radio Drvar', the IMC said, is the result of threatening and offensive songs which could negatively affect the return of refugees to that town and further strain relations between Croats and Serb returnees. 'Radio Drvar's' broadcasting was interrupted on 5 October. This radio station in the past on several occasions violated the Bosnian Media Code. In June it was fined with 800 convertible marks. The two Bosnian Serb television stations were issued bans for the non-payment of earlier given fines. 'Kanal S' did pay the fine after the IMC decision, and was enabled to resume broadcasting. The other station is expected to do so soon. (hina) ha