CROATIAN AMBASSADOR TO BIH TONCI STANICIC VISITS ONASA AGENCY
SARAJEVO, June 17 (ONASA) – General Manager of the Independent News Agency ONASA Elvira Begovic received today in the Agency head office in Sarajevo, Croatian Ambassador to BiH Tonci Stanicic, whom she informed about the work of the Agency.
General Manager Begovic pointed out that the Agency’s mission is continuous contribution to development of true, independent and professional informing in the advanced, European – oriented, multicultural and multiethnic BiH, with the aim of spreading its network outside of BiH as well.
Ambassador Stanicic stressed that ONASA Agency, soon after its establishment, left a huge mark on the media market in BiH, and that it represents “one of the bastions of independent journalism in BiH”.
“I can say that ONASA Agency, without any exaggeration, is a legendary institution,” said Ambassador Stanicic, adding that independent journalism is one of the pillars of society, political and country stability.
Speaking about the importance of independent journalism, the Ambassador stressed that, in this context, the mission of the Agency ONASA is invaluable.
“But I did not know that ONASA Agency is this big and strong, and that there are so many employees. I am glad to see that everything is functioning like in the west, in the best sense of the word,” said the Croatian ambassador.
Ambassador Stanicic warned about the trend of collapse of the quality of journalism in the countries of former Yugoslavia, especially in terms of objectivity.
According to him, there are numerous reasons that have caused this situation, among them, political manipulation of the media and the negative aspect of commercialization.
“It is almost a public secret that information is sold, i.e. it became a market category. In a situation of general crisis, particularly the financial one, this situation is, unfortunately, becoming worse,” said Ambassador Stanicic.
During the visit, the Croatian Ambassador to BiH visited all ONASA services, and spoke with employees. (the end)