Public Broadcasting in Divided Societies

NetNovinar.org - Mediacentar Sarajevo

Public broadcasting systems face many difficulties, both in Western Europe and in the new democracies and post-communist countries where this very concept remains rather new. In specific context of multinational or multiethnic societies such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, the process of creation of a public broadcasting system is further complicated by ethnic divisions in society and post-war circumstances that created and continue to create huge obstacles.

Recognizing the need for detailed analysis of existing models of public broadcasting systems that attempt to reconcile the needs of different groups to preserve their cultural identity, as well as the need for more tolerant relations between various ethnic and cultural groups as requirements for creation of stable and democratic societies, the Media Centre�s Media Policy Centre started a comparative survey on public broadcasting systems in divided and/or multicultural societies.

The survey covers Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belgium, Macedonia and Switzerland. The comparative study includes, among other things, analises of legal solutions, financial flows, editorial and personnel policies related to the work of public broadcasting systems in multiethnic societies.

The project intends to stimulate a sustained public debate on the set-up of public broadcasting system, in order to identify the best legal solutions and define operative instruments necessary for creation and sustainability of a quality public broadcasting system that would serve the citizens in countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The results of the survey will be compiled and presented in a book edited by prof.dr. Sandra Basic-Hrvatin, dr. Mark Thompson and dr. Tarik Jusic. After the publication of the book, the Media Centre Sarajevo intends to organize a one-day conference to discuss the topic �Public Broadcasting Systems in Divided Societies�, to be held in Sarajevo in the beginning of 2008.

The project is financed by Open Society ZUG Fondation (OSI).