50,000 euros for development of media self-regulation and free journalism in BiH

Deputy Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to BiH (Chargé d'affaires), Adrian Pollmann and Executive Director of the Press Council in BiH, Ljiljana Zurovac, will sign an agreement on new financial support from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Sarajevo to the Press Council in BiH, in the amount of 50,000 euros for 2015/2016. The support from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany is aimed at developing media self-regulation and free journalism in BiH, reports the Patria news agency.

For the eighth consecutive year, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in BiH continues its support for the self-regulatory body for print and online media in BiH. As a result of the professional cooperation to date and successful achievements, during 2015/2016 as well, the German Embassy in Sarajevo supports the activities of the Press Council in BiH in the field of developing media self-regulation, as one of the key standards for the development of free professional journalism in a democratic society.

This year's financial support from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany is aimed at informing citizens about their right to accurate, objective and timely information - through the radio show "Your Voice in the Media" and a public campaign in 30 BiH cities, to combat hate speech as an abuse of freedom of expression, and to strengthen responsible and ethical media reporting, based on professional guidelines given in the Code for Print and Online Media of BiH.

The agreement also continues funding for the unique project of the Press Council in BiH - the School of Media Ethics for journalism students from all BiH universities, which this year will mark the jubilee of 10 generations of students. On that occasion, a brochure will be printed with an overview of all ten generations of the School, and the recently launched Online School of Media Ethics of the Press Council will also be developed, which will be available to all who need education on professional and ethical journalism.

The signing of the agreement will take place at the premises of the Press Council in BiH, Trampina 8 in Sarajevo, on Friday, July 24, 2015 at 10 a.m.