Partnership Programme: Albanian Member RTSH, OSCE and EBU sign Memorandum of Understanding

The EBU together with its Albanian Member Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH) and the OSCE Presence in Albania (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the reform of public service broadcasting in the country.

The agreement was signed at the end of a two-day strategic workshop (June 8-9) in Tirana.

The workshop on Governance of RTSH discussed strategic steps to develop RTSH into an independent, professional and sustainable public broadcaster. Former EBU Vice President Boris Bergant and the head of the EBU's Partnership Programme Radka Betcheva were present to discuss the importance of implementing EBU Values, institutional and editorial independence and the definition and separation of powers and competencies of the new Council, Management Board and Director General.

Radka Betcheva said that the transformation of national broadcasting into a viable public service media is a challenging and long process:

This will require the firm determination and stamina of RTSH's management and consolidated support from the international community, she said. Proper implementation of the EBU values and governing principles will bring the Albanian people closer to RTSH and increase their trust.

Following the passing of a new Law on Albanian Public Service Media last year, a new Supervisory Board of RTSH consisting of 11 members was created on 13 May. The Board now has the power to appoint a new Director General, develop strategic documents and begin the process of reforming RTSH.

The EBU, RTSH and the OSCE will now work together on developing a strategy and statutes for the Albanian broadcaster including putting in place rules, procedures and editorial guidelines. The EBU Partnership Programme and the OSCE will also provide relevant expertise and help facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience.

LINK:	http://www3.ebu.ch/contents/news/2015/06/partnership-programme-albania...
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