SEENPM Contributes to the Debate on the Media Standards of the Council of Europe

May 6, 2009, Paris – “Fundamental rights, freedoms and relevant standards should be respected by all parties involved in the production and distribution of media content”, stated Brankica Petkovic (Peace Institute, Slovenia) when expressing the position of SEENPM at an NGOs Forum held on 5 May 2009 in Paris. She added that more emphasis should be put on the request to member countries regarding the effective implementation of CoE standards on freedom of expression and information. The Forum of over thirty non-governmental organizations commented on the documents (Political Declaration, Resolutions and Action Plan) to be adopted at the CoE Conference of Ministers on 28-29 May 2009 in Reykjavik and provided suggestions for alternative provisions.

The Ministerial Conference will focus on new forms of media and communication services, and how to apply existing or develop new standards and regulations to protect fundamental rights and freedoms. Seven representatives from European, regional and national media development NGOs will speak at the Ministerial Conference. The position of the South East European Network for Professionalization of Media will be presented by Ioana Avadani (Center for Independent Journalism, Romania).