The Situation of the Media Sector in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

Analisi approfondita 09-02-2010

Establishing an independent, professional media is one of the major problems faced by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in its transition towards a fully democratic state. Since its independence in 1991, progress has been made, but challenges remain. This briefing note assesses the current state of affairs in the Macedonian media. In particular, the paper will examine:  the legal framework ,  ownership and the financial situation,  the freedom of the media,  "Hate speech",  the role of the media in the fight against corruption and organised crime. The briefing concludes with recommendations for further reforms to enhance media independence in the context of the country's European integration.