EU should develop a media broadcasting strategy, MEPs say
3 Apr 2014 03:34 PM
The EU should devise a robust media broadcasting
strategy aimed at promoting freedom of expression, media pluralism and
strengthening democracy and human rights within its foreign policy, says
Parliament in a recommendation adopted on Wednesday.
Parliament encourages European media broadcasting
internationally to ensure accurate and objective news coverage and reflect the
diversity of opinions and contexts in the EU while maintaining their editorial
independence.
"Foreign policy is often thought of in terms of
armies and diplomacy. But we should not underestimate the influence and
reach of news broadcasting, especially in emerging democracies," said
Sir Graham Watson (ALDE, UK), who drew up the resolution.
“Broadcasters across Europe can play an important
role in promoting democracy, human rights, freedom of expression and
media pluralism. In doing so, they must maintain full journalistic independence
and provide accurate and objective news coverage," he
added.
The
non-binding recommendation recognises that broadcasting for democratisation and
promotion of human rights in third countries does not explicitly fall within
the remit of EU media policy but suggests exploring ways in which the EU and
member countries can coordinate media actions and strategies.
It
also calls on media outlets that currently receive EU funding to be more
transparent and publish an overview of their revenues.