Charter for Media Freedom

• drawing on the valuable preparatory work done within the framework of the Royaumont Process for the elaboration of this Charter for Media Freedom;
• recognising that lasting peace in the region based on stable democracies is crucial for peace in Europe in the 21st century;
• acknowledging that freedom of the media, free flow of information and ideas and open discussion, without the interference of public authorities, play a fundamental role in the development of free, stable and democratic societies; are prerequisites for the establishment of mutual understanding and good relations among states and their peoples; and deserve the full support of interested governments and organisations;
• reaffirming their adherence to the principles of freedom of expression, the media and free flow of information as laid down Article 19 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, and Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, as covered by the OSCE principles and commitments, and as set out in other international conventions and agreements including those of UNESCO and the Council of Europe;
• emphasising that the promotion of mutual respect, cooperation and stability requires respect for the interests, values and cultures of alle communities in the region and a commitment to internationally recognised standards of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law;
• considering that there is a need for more active and better informed public debate in order to achieve the objectives of peace, stability and mutual understanding that underpin the Stability Pact;
• convinced that cooperation among media professionals from the region contributes to enhancing mutual confidence and reducing the risk of tension in South East Europe;

1. to defend and promote freedom of expression, information and comment and to act in accordance with international undertakings relating to the above freedoms;
   
2. to keep under review media and other relevant laws, and to take steps to identify and remove obstacles to media freedom and to the exercise of independent journalism, consistent with international standards and commitments, including removal of powers of arbitrary censorship or suppression of the press or radio and TV programmes;
   
3. to encourage actively the development of pluralistic and accessible electronic and printed media which are professional and independent, and to encourage the development of regional cooperation schemes to facilitate the flow of information;
   
4. to facilitate the unimpeded flow of information; to remove obstacles to free access to sources of information; and to ensure the confidentiality of the sources of information used by journalists;
   
5. to support the development of media networks which facilitate the free flow of information between neighbouring states and which bring journalists together, in particular through the exchange of young journalists;
   
6. to ensure an appropriate legal framework for Public Sector Broadcasters, which should serve the interests of the public and not the gouvernment in power;
   
7. to facilitate the establishment of independent broadcasting regulatory bodies, where they do not already exist, charged with allocating broadcasting frequencies and implementing the internationally recognised standards of transparent and accountable administration of broadcasting;
   b) to support the establishment of appropriate national structures involving media professionals in order to encourage professionalism, high quality and diversity in broadcasting and publishing. These structures should inter alia set standards and deal with complaints;
   
8. to recognise the key role of media professionals in matters of media ethics and to support media professionals in efforts to define, agree and implement appropriate ethical standards;
   
9. to promote tolerance by facilitating access to the media for persons belonging to national minorities;
   
10. to apply, or where necessary enact, laws relating to prevention of incitement to racism or violence;
    
11. to give every encouragement to the media to promote the highest standards of professional journalism and to facilitate sources of independent and diverse information and opinion; These professional standards include recognition:
    
    • that programmes and articles should not propagate ethnic, racial or religious hatred, xenophobia, or language which incites violence;
      
    • that there should be plurality in the media combining high quality, accurate reporting and a range of opinion;
      
    • that confidentiality of the sources of information used by journalists should be used responsibly;
      
    • that if any published or broadcast information is found to be inaccurate, an appropriate correction should be broadcast or published, and/or the person or legal entity featured be given the right of reply;
      
    • that journalists should ensure that programmes and articles respect human dignity and the rights of others, in particular the rights and sensitivities of minors.
    
    
12. Standards applied by the independent broadcast regulatory bodies referred to in paragraph 7 should recognise:
    
    • that publicity owned Media should serve the interests of the public and not the government in power;
      
    • that public and private media enterprises should trade and compete fairly and responsibly, adhering to international agreements on intellectual property rights and copyright;
      
    • that political party advertisements are clearly identified as such;
      
    • that no individual indicted by the ICTY but refusing to appear befor the Court should serve on public and private media companies' boards of management or be employed by either in any other capacity.
    
    
13. The Participating States of the Stability Pact, and the interested parties and organisations associated with the Pact, will cooperate to oppose measures which are directed against freedom of expression and to ensure that the above mentioned principles of the Charter for Media Freedom of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe are fully observed.