Source: : Blic
Comments
Rodoljub Sabic Commissioner for Information
Although slowly and with difficulty, transformation of our system of public information is approaching its final stage. Ending of the process of ownership transformation and privatization of media shall be prerequisites for elimination of influence of power on editorial policy, and therefore should be considered as prerequisite of more objective informing. One of the logical consequences of privatization and allocation of frequencies is decrease of the number of media, which in itself is not a problem. But, it is problematic because in relation to that, worry of the minority representatives haven't been anticipated in time, that the information in their languages could be seriously endangered or in some cases, eliminated. And it should have been, because one should have known that in market circumstances informing in minority languages is not at all “profitable service".Solution is not in turning backwards and keeping the minority media in state ownership. It is well known, that however difficult, the solution should be searched for in improving the cost-effectiveness of operations and employees' professionalism, but also in providing new forms of financing, adequate to democratic society, that is, of subsidies. Of course, this should be regulated by laws. Just, it wouldn't be good to wait for that for a long time. Informing in minority languages is important for a relationship of our numerous citizens towards our state and their appraisal of state relationship towards them. So, this is not an issue of “profitable services", but of something precious.
