Vienna, 15/09/2004
The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), is deeply concerned about recent developments in the Romanian media.
According to information provided to SEEMO, several media owners have been interfering in the editorial policy of Romanian media outlets.
In SEEMO’s opinion such practices are endangering editorial independence and putting journalists under pressure. Media owners should agree with editors and journalists on media policy and managerial matters in internal agreements and media statutes.
SEEMO acknowledges the owner’s right to define the editorial principles of media, but sees a need for internal guidelines, as it is important for journalists to do their job freely and without day-to-day interference or interpretations. Independent media are crucial for democratic development in any country.