Simkovicova: National Media Authority Good Idea, But Needs Political Consensus

Bratislava, 2 January (TASR) - The Culture Ministry supports the idea of setting up a National Media Authority, but implementing this will depend on political agreement, Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova (a Slovak National Party/SNS nominee) has said in a year-end interview with TASR. "The idea is a very good one, we support it, but first of all, there must be consensus within the government, and also support in Parliament," she said. Furthermore, developments within the coalition will determine whether this idea will remain a "live" topic in the future. "If it's progressing well, we'll go ahead with it, otherwise, we'll drop the idea," added Simkovicova. An amendment to the Media Services Act has been submitted by SNS MPs in Parliament, proposing that the Council for Media Services should be transformed into a National Media Authority while preserving its regulatory status. The authority's chairperson would be elected by Parliament for a six-year term. The authority's bodies would also include a vice-chairperson and a board. jrg/df