The Independent Union of Journalists and Media Workers (SSNM) has welcomed the recent amendments to the Law on Media, acknowledging that they incorporate suggestions from local and specialized online media outlets. However, the union maintains that a completely new law, fully harmonized with the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), is necessary to achieve full stability within the media sector.

The SSNM emphasized that these amendments effectively equalize the rights and obligations of online publications with those of other media forms. Journalists and media workers now have a status equal to their colleagues in other media sectors, addressing previous issues of arbitrary interpretations and related problems.

According to the SSNM, since the announcement of the Law on Media amendments last year, they have consistently highlighted the need for clarifications, especially concerning the operating conditions of local, specialized, and non-profit media. The union actively contributed to the amendments by submitting proposals, participating in meetings, panel discussions, and consulting with media outlets not initially involved in the draft amendment adoption process.

While recognizing the positive aspects of the current amendments, the SSNM views them as an intermediate step. Their ultimate goal is the adoption of a comprehensive new Law on Media, achieved through extensive public debate and incorporating all elements of the EMFA.

The SSNM has specified key aspects that the new law should address. These include mechanisms for protecting the labor and professional rights of journalists and media workers, harmonization of media definitions according to the EMFA, and ensuring the cybersecurity of journalists. These measures are considered essential for objective, professional reporting in the public interest.