Simkovicova: We'll Submit Bill on Slovak Television and Radio to Gov't Next Week

Bratislava, April 16 (TASR) - The Culture Ministry should submit a revised version of a bill on the Slovak Television and Radio (STaR) broadcaster to the government session next week, Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova (a Slovak National Party/SNS nominee) has posted on a social network. "The bill fully conforms to the EU legislation and I believe that the television and radio will start fulfilling their public-service function again," stated the minister. Environment Minister Tomas Taraba (a SNS nominee) announced an agreement on the revised wording of the law following the inter-departmental and coalition talks on Monday (April 15). The Culture Ministry submitted the original bill for comments on March 11. The bill has elicited 327 objections in the shortened comment period, out of which 42 were submitted en masse. In addition to representatives of the public, these were formulated by political parties and the cultural platform. In addition to other things, they pointed to the bill's non-compliance with the EU legislation, particularly with the European Act on Freedom of Media. The ministry in late March announced that the law will be shelved due to the large number of objections and suggestions as well as the comprehensive scope of the issue and that is is currently working on its redrafting. ko/mcs