Peter Shilegov, spokesman for the opposition SDSM, at today’s press conference said it was about time to agree on steps and systematic solutions for media regulation.
He said that without regulation of the media, there can be no free and fair elections.
When asked by the press what will happen if there is no regulation for the media and elections take place, he said there is still time to accept the obligations of the Przhino Agreement.
“ Instead of an objective, balanced, timely and truthful information for the citizens, Nikola Gruevski’s media spread lies and they are leading media propaganda in favor of the VMRO-DPMNE. Not only did they defend the shameful decision by the Constitutional Court for electoral fraud, Gruevski’s media are now competing who can work more for the VMRO-DPMNE. In 10 days, on MRTV, “Sitel”, “Kanel 5”, “Alfa” and “Nova TV” they are broadcasting positive reports on the VMRO-DPMNE in a time frame of 9 hours and 32 minutes. There are no negative reports. On the other hand, negative reports for the SDSM have lasted for 5 hours and 54 minutes. This data was measured with identical methodology used by the OSCE / ODIHR. This is why we need freedom in the media and therefore it is completely necessary that there is media regulation and it is in the interest of the citizens”, said Shilegov.
He added that the last case of the dismissal of the journalist at “Sitel” is another example of the pressure on the journalistic profession and a direct attack on freedom of speech in Macedonia.
