Does total broadcasting freedom really exist in Central and Eastern Europe?

Panel discussion

The end of communism in Eastern and Central Europe has not necessarily led to the end of the challenge to media freedom and free markets. In some countries, independent media outlets are being taken over and/or abolished by governments, censorship is (re-)appearing, whereas in others, legislation has created a base for independent media to grow, succeed economically, and take their place in a free and emancipated society.

The panel participants, led by Hubertas Grusnys (Lithuania) - CEO of the first private radio station founded in Eastern Europe in 1989 - and including representatives from Poland, Romania, Russia and Yugoslavia will discuss the economical, legal and political framework for independent radios in various Eastern and Central European countries, exchange their views and experiences and have a look at current and future developments.

Some of the topics will be:

• The situation of private radios as opposed to the publicly funded state channels
• Their legal bases
• Economical advantages/handicaps
• Liberty of speech / media freedom
• Access to technology and delivery methods
• Access to reliable news and information from the region
• Methods and models of financing and syndication
• Contribution to the consolidation and acceleration of the democratic reform process
• Integrative role of private radios in multi-ethnical societies

Panelists:

Hubertas Grusnys, CEO of M-1 and M-1 plius (LI)

George Chirita, Executive Director ARCA Romanian Association for Audiovisual Communications (RO)

Wieslaw Cybulski, General manager Radio Eska Nord (PL)

Joseph Lemire, President Gala Radio (RU/UKR)