Skopje, 30 January 2024 (MIA) – It is important for all media actors to report in an open and unbiased manner during the election period in order for the public to have accurate information. The candidates of the political parties need to be presented in a clear way and open debate should exist. Disinformation, fake news and other forms of manipulation should be dealt with in a swift and legal way, said the European Union’s Ambassador to North Macedonia, David Geer, at an event Tuesday held under the title "The Importance of a Functioning Public Service Broadcasting System for Democracy in Europe" in Skopje.

The event is a part of the EU-funded Twinning Project "Enhancement of Capacities of the Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media Services and the Public Service Broadcaster", implemented by the German Foundation for International Legal Cooperation (IRZ) in partnership with the Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media Services (AAAVMS) and the Public Service Broadcaster (MRT).

At the event, the Ambassador said the existence of free and independent media is essential for every democracy. He said the enhancement of the Public Service Broadcaster and the media regulator aligns with the recommendations contained in the European Commission’s 2023 Report on North Macedonia, which stated that additional measures are necessary in order to enhance the financial stability and independence of both the regulator and the Public Service Broadcaster.

At the same time, he said, the Report also criticizes the uncertainty of the development of the two institutions as a result of temporary measures adopted each year, noting that this situation is set to continue in 2024 as well.

According to the Ambassador, the existence of free and independent media is essential for every democracy. He highlighted the importance of ensuring accountability, noting wrongdoings and informing the public using accurate and timely information.

“This especially applies to the public broadcasting service and the media regulator, which exist in a rapidly changing media environment. Various threats exist today, which are unimaginable for the people a generation ago. This is due to the internet and social media, as well as new technologies,” added Geer.

The Ambassador noted that today’s event is only a portion of the assistance provided by the EU to the country’s media space.

“The EU provides and supports the organization of trainings, various study visits for journalists and editors. North Macedonia is in an election year, and it is especially important for all media actors to report in an open, unbiased way, in order for the public to have accurate information,” added Geer.

The German Ambassador to North Macedonia, Petra Drexler, in her address at the event, noted that media reporting plays a big role when it comes to the democracy of a society.

“Today we can say that we have good journalism, but we also face great challenges. Young people today get their information from social media, which usually doesn’t provide quality information, yet they overlook the public broadcasting service. It is important to have more debates over the importance of the public broadcaster. The public broadcaster should also adapt to the constant changes that are happening in modern society,” said Drexler.

The Ambassador said the freedom of the press strengthens democracy in a society. She also reiterated Geer’s position that media has a much bigger responsibility during an election year.

Drexler added that media should provide accurate reporting, based on facts, to publish trustworthy and relevant information. “The media,” she said, “should contribute to the strengthening of democracy during the election process”.

Photo: MIA/MIA Archive