The concept of independent public service broadcasting is a hot topic in South Africa at the moment following the SABC’s Commission of Inquiry into the alleged blacklisting of political commentators and the broadcaster’s subsequent failed attempt to sanitise the damning findings of the Inquiry.
Independent Public Service Broadcasting is also a hot topic in Hungary according to a recent European Broadcasting Union (EBU) report. Zoltan Rudi, President of MTV recently delivered a paper entitled “From Secret Service to Public Service”, conveying the need for Hungary and Hungarian people to have an independent public service broadcaster.
“MTV can be that broadcaster. In the future, I can see our channels as credible, trustworthy and unbiased sources of information, providing a public service. We need to be politically independent which means financially independent; and that means the re-establishment of the licence fee,” said Rudi.
The European Commission (EC) and the EBU supported Rudi’s call for action, and encouraged the Hungarian government to recognise the need for independent public service broadcasting and ensure the conditions necessary for its proper functioning in Hungary. These were stated as being sufficient and stable financing and the freedom for MTV to become an independent broadcaster for the digital age.
Viviane Reding, European Commissioner for the Information Society & Media, stressed the crucial role of public service broadcasters in a vibrant and pluralistic media landscape. She said, “Public service broadcasters must be independent of politics. Secure funding is vital in ensuring this independence. Warm words of support are not enough, public service broadcasters must be given the means to fulfil their remit.
“In Hungary I would like to see, now and in the future, a public service broadcaster that provides a balance of fair information, television for the people and not for the government or a party, whoever it may be, and high quality content, programmes and films.”
EBU President Fritz Pleitgen welcomed the Commissioner’s support for European public service broadcasting and her support for a change in the situation in Hungary. He reminded the conference that, “public service broadcasting must be independent of any vested interest. It must be provided with sufficient funding to carry out its mission; providing competent and attractive coverage of information, culture, education and entertainment, including sport.”
He assured the conference that the EBU is committed to helping all its Members, and at this time MTV in particular, to reach the common goal of public service broadcasters, to be a source of media pluralism, cultural diversity and social cohesion. The EBU offers its Members concrete support in reaching this goal.
Dr Ildiko Sarkady, from the Hungarian Prime Minister’s office recognised that practical decisions were needed immediately, to replace ad hoc financing by accountable and proportionate funding, adjusted to suit the tasks of the public service broadcaster.
