RTV Slovenija Bill Passed
Parliament on Wednesday confirmed the controversial government-sponsored bill on RTV Slovenija, which promises an overhaul of the public broadcaster's management structure and programming. The opposition walked out of the session, protesting against what it labelled a "violent" legislative procedure.
The bill replaces the law of 1994 and is aimed at enhancing the role of parliament in forming a new programming council. This will be responsible for the programme and personnel issues, while it will no longer have any major managerial powers.
These will be transferred to the newly introduced supervisory board, which will be adopting a statute and financial plan of the broadcaster, something that has been so far done by the RTV Slovenija Council.
Parliament would appoint 21 out of 29 members of the programme council. While 16 out of these would be nominated by the TV audience, universities, and associations in the arts, culture, science and the press, a further five would be put forward by political parties in accordance with their representation in parliament.
The Italian and Hungarian minority would have a member each, as well as the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SAZU). Two members would be appointed by the president at the proposal of registered religious communities, while three members would be elected by RTV Slovenija employees.
The supervisory board would have 11 members. Five would be appointed by parliament, four by the government and two by the employees.
Because of the great influence that parliament will have on appointments and programming, the bill had come under attack by journalist associations and media experts, who claimed that it is turning what is now a public broadcaster into a mouthpiece.
Branko Grims, an MP of the ruling Slovenian Democrats (SDS) and one of the authors of the law, today reiterated his often voiced stance that the bill by no means politicises RTV Slovenija. He said it was drafted in line with European standards and enjoys the support of the broadcaster's employees.
While the bill may have been passed on Wednesday, it does not mean that it will enter into force as planned. Within seven days, it can be challenged with a petition provided by the National Council, 30 MPs or 40,000 voters requiring a subsequent legislative referendum.
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