Stephen Wordsworth

Free Media in Tough Times

I went on 18 May to help open the third Annual Meeting between the BBC and their partner radio stations here in Serbia.  There's been some good progress here in recent years - a stronger network of partner stations, better audibility, a growing audience.  But, as with all media companies, the global economic crisis is at the top of their agenda.  The print media and radio, in particular, have seen their advertising revenues hit hard, and many organisations are facing tough decisions. 

We in the UK see independent media as absolutely essential to the development of free democracies.  So we think it's really important, right across the world, that the independent media stay independent - that they are not forced by the crisis into over-heavy reliance on business or political interests, that then seek to influence their editorial policy.  We understand that it's hard, if the choice is between staff cut-backs or editorial compromise.  But, ultimately, it's all about staying true to one's original vision.   Of course, most people in the independent media in Serbia understand this very well, having faced much tougher challenges before.  We are proud to have them as our partners.

Posted at 16:48 19 May 2009 by Stephen Wordsworth  |  Comments[1]