No mandatory registration yet for web-based newspapers
The government is possibly to refrain from passing a resolution to regulate a mandatory registration of web-based publications as envisaged in the new media law, Andrei Bastunets, a deputy chairman of the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ) said in an interview with the Belapan news agency.
According to Bastunets, the operation of the working group to develop a corresponding draft resolution, was suspended after the roundtable meeting titled "Internet-based media: Challenges in 21st Century", organized by the Office of the OSCE Representative on the Media and the Ministry of Information of Belarus in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus on November 24, 2008 in Minsk.
According to Bastunets, it is proposed to replace the mandatory registration of the web-based media with a voluntary registration. This provision is not envisaged in the law, but "it is voiced in the statements of government officials". The voluntary registration could be used by the internet resources that wish to obtain the status of a media organization and relevant rights and obligations. Journalists with those media are accredited with the government agencies and entitled to operating on behalf of a registered media organization.
"We treat these changes positively, because BAJ has always wished that the registration and re-registration of the media be carried out voluntarily with a minimum of formalities and hurdles", Bastunets said. The new media law will come into force on February 8.
According to Bastunets, the operation of the working group to develop a corresponding draft resolution, was suspended after the roundtable meeting titled "Internet-based media: Challenges in 21st Century", organized by the Office of the OSCE Representative on the Media and the Ministry of Information of Belarus in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus on November 24, 2008 in Minsk.
According to Bastunets, it is proposed to replace the mandatory registration of the web-based media with a voluntary registration. This provision is not envisaged in the law, but "it is voiced in the statements of government officials". The voluntary registration could be used by the internet resources that wish to obtain the status of a media organization and relevant rights and obligations. Journalists with those media are accredited with the government agencies and entitled to operating on behalf of a registered media organization.
"We treat these changes positively, because BAJ has always wished that the registration and re-registration of the media be carried out voluntarily with a minimum of formalities and hurdles", Bastunets said. The new media law will come into force on February 8.
