Acknowledging that each and every minority in society contributes to the wealth of Europe, a European Commission (EC)-funded project in the Western Balkans has adopted Recommendations for serving ethnic minorities through public service media (PSM).

Media professionals and representatives of PSM in the Western Balkans unanimously adopted 13 Recommendations for serving ethnic minorities at a regional conference in Novi Sad held on 6-7 October this year. The conference was organized in the framework of an EC-funded project for Technical Assistance to PSM in the Western Balkans implemented by a Consortium of partners: EFJ, IFJ, ORF, BIRN, ERNO and the EBU.

Through an analysis of existing practices, needs, aspirations and opportunities, the Recommendations aim to further boost the development of PSM content for minorities.

The Recommendations are based on an analysis of data collected through a survey with Members in the Western Balkans, missions in the field and discussions at the regional conference this October.

An emphasis is placed on editorial standards and practices, necessary sourcing and prominence of programmes for minorities as well as the need for support, exchange of best practices and cooperation.

The Recommendations and the list of projects for cooperation and consolidating of efforts will be published on the Western Balkans project platform and will be sent to all relevant stakeholders: parliaments, governments, regulatory authorities, the civil sector, and PSM governing and management bodies.

EBU Deputy Director General and Director of Media Jean Philip De Tender said, “We are glad that our Members in the Western Balkans highly appreciate the adoption of the Recommendations and express vivid interest in closer cooperation in the development of audiovisual and online content for minorities. Diversity is one of our priorities and we strongly support our Members in this field.”