Mirkovic: New laws for better media

BRUSSELS - Sasa Mirkovic, Serbia's assistant minister of culture and information in the outgoing government, voiced confidence that a new set of media laws will improve the situation in that field.

"I am optimistic that new draft laws can change the media sphere for the better," Mirkovic told Tanjug after Tuesday's panel discussion on freedom of the media titled "Speak up, Serbia" that was held at the European Parliament in Brussels.

He noted that the existing media laws are outdated, adding that this is a source of many problems.

Mirkovic underscored that the draft package of media bills, which was submitted to European Commission experts for consideration and possible suggestions, has been made in line with European standards.

"In the coming weeks, we expect comments from Brussels on the public information bill which will regulate all the media that are partly or fully owned by the state," Mirkovic explained.

He voiced expectation that this bill, as well as the accompanying bill on electronic media and national broadcasters, will be passed by the end of this year.

Screenshot Tanjug video