Need for independent model of media subsidies for domestic production

Need for independent model of media subsidies for domestic production
Monitoring of implementation of media laws in Macedonia

In 2014, for the purpose of stimulating the domestic industry to create quality film and documentary programmes and enabling supportive environment for artists, scenographers and other practitioners, the Law on Audio and Audiovisual Media Services (2013) has been amended to ensure that national commercial TV stations and MRT produce and broadcast certain quota of domestic film and documentary programs. Except obligations to the national broadcasters, the Government introduces financial support for expensive production projects, as well as fines for non-compliance.
 
However, the overall process of selection, production and broadcasting of the projects in 2014 was hasty and non-transparent and as such influenced the quality of the programmes. The establishment of the respective body in charge, the selection of the projects and the state budget allocations to the TV stations were not made public, thus undermining the transparency of the procedure.
 
There are fears that the state subsidies might be conducive to imposing political influence by the Government. The non-transparent establishment, composition and the work of the Commission undermine the envisioned positive effects of the measure. In the past there have been ideas for establishment of an independent media fund for support of film and documentary programmes instead of Government-controlled subsidies, but none has seen the light so far.
 

See the whole report here.
 
 
Media Policy and Reforms
Media Ownership and Finances
Public Service Media