OSCE Media Representative, media companies, propose principles for guaranteeing editorial independence

VIENNA, 16 July 2003 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Freimut Duve, together with some media companies, has proposed a set of principles to guarantee the editorial independence of media in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union which are acquired by western media groups.

"These principles set out the criteria that the media owners take upon themselves to adhere to once they are in a position to financially control a media outlet in one of the developing democracies," said Freimut Duve.

"It is important that the new owners understand their responsibility towards the citizens of the country where they now own not only a business, but also a public service, indispensable to building a pluralistic and open society."

Among the principles outlined by the OSCE Representative were: the need for ownership structures to be fully transparent; the establishment of codes of conduct governing the relationship between journalists and the board of directors; upholding democratic values and openly acknowledging any political affiliation of the media concerned.

Germany's WAZ-Gruppe and Orkla Media AS of Norway have already agreed to support these principles. The OSCE Representative plans to start a discussion with other media companies in the hope that they will also sign up to guarantee the editorial independence of media in the emerging democracies.