Public TV should not depend on government, OSCE envoy

According to Harazsti, the issue was discussed in detail during the meetings with the representatives from the authorities and independent journalist organizations. OSCE official notified them that this television will hardly ensure freedom of word, as it will depend on the authorities.

According to Harazsti, the authorities assured him that the public television will start functioning no sooner than June. So, it could affect on the provision of electorate through multilateral reports on the forthcoming parliamentary elections. The lack of opportunities for the political parties of informing the public on the standpoints might have negative impact on the results of the elections and affect on their free and fair holding.

According to Harazsti, most depends on the candidature of the Secretary General of the Public Television, which is intended to adhere equality in standpoints. The next no less important problem is linked with granting new licenses for electron media prior to elections. Harazsti said the authorities should observe the law on licensing the media adopted in 2002, which is still to be implemented, as the authorities confess.