Participants of the meeting discussed current situation in mass media sphere of the last couple of months. Characterizing the role of mass media and journalists in covering socially important events, M.Tomenko stressed that under present conditions Ukrainian mass media were able to create joint approaches in the interests of ensuring freedom of speech and pluralism, as well as complying with high professional standards of the mass media activity.
The Chairman of the Committee informed about negative processes happening now in the informational space of Ukraine: ignoring Ukrainian and international legislation in the mass media sphere on the part of some foreign channels that are present in the informational space of Ukraine; illegal termination of work of authoritative regional broadcasters in Crimea; deterioration of the situation with compliance of professional rights of journalists.
The situation of not approving report of the National Television and Radio Broadcasting Council of Ukraine by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine was also discussed. Participants of the meeting exchanged thoughts on possible ways of ensuring proper public and state control over mass media activity during next presidential elections in Ukraine.
M.Tomenko named some priorities of the Committee’s legislative activity: adoption of laws on Public Television, denationalization of state and communal mass media, and improvement of legislature in the sphere of access to public information.
Those present at the meeting reached a consensus on unacceptability of direct prohibition of activity of some mass media. Dunja Mijatovic assured everyone that OSCE member-states are ready to provide Ukraine with necessary informational support and practical assistance regarding issues connected with activity and freedom of mass media, and she expressed hope for active continuation of the initiated dialogue.
M.Tomenko reminded everyone that these days, despite tense social and political situation, events connected with celebration of the 200th birth anniversary of Taras Shevchenko are taking place in Ukraine, and presented Dunja Mijatovic with a newly published facsimile edition of the original album of artistic paintings and drawings of the Great Kobzar.
The meeting was also attended by OSCE Project Coordinator in Ukraine Madina Jarbussynova.