ELECTRONIC MEDIA IN BOSNIA NEED LICENCE FOR FURTHER BROADCASTING

( Editorial: --> 2507 ) SARAJEVO, May 8 (Hina) - All electronic media in Bosnia-Herzegovina will have to request a licence for continuation of broadcasting from an independent commission which will be established by the announced September elections. The Commission for Mediation in Media Standards and Distribution of Licences shall be established in line with resolutions of the Bonn conference on the implementation of the peace agreement. It will comprise of lawyers and other experts from foreign media and from Bosnia-Herzegovina, John Watkinson who is leading the team of experts that has the task of securing the work of the commission, told a press conference in Sarajevo on Friday. He explained that it is only obligatory for electronic media to request a permit but not for print media. Electronic media from Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia will have to ask for permission to broadcast if they use earth transmitters in Bosnia-Herzegovina, he said. "The Commission will look after the establishment of media standards by which the spread of ethnic hatreds and encouragement of violence shall be prevented," said Watkinson. The Commission will penalise media which do not respect professional standards and the heaviest penalty will be cancellation of licence or prohibition of work. (hina) as mrb/lm 081828 MET may 98