
Information and Telecommunications Minister Mihailo Jovanovic told the Serbian Parliament on Monday that the four public information laws submitted for adoption are the result of efforts by the authorities, journalist and media associations and European partners.
“In drafting the laws on public information and the media, the Information Ministry did everything to take into consideration the opinions of different interest groups. A significant contribution was made by European partners, public debates were organized, four round tables were held and the public was allowed to make suggestions and proposals,” the minister said in his presentation of the laws.
He said that there were a number of different proposals on ways to promote the field of public information.
“The Working Group, formed soon after the new ministry was set up, drafted the laws on public information and the media. It included representatives of journalist and media associations who we worked with the last moment. All members of the Working Group were united in the efforts to promote the public information system,” the minister said.
The draft laws on public information and the media drew protest from media organizations, including those whose representatives sat on the Working Group because of articles of the laws which allow the state-owned Telekom Serbia to own media outlets. That runs counter to pledges by the authorities and the national Media Strategy that the government would not be a founder or owner of any media outlet. Telekom Serbia has ownership in media outlets through other companies.
A group of opposition parties said its MPs would demand changes to disputed articles of the laws.