ITALIAN AMBASSADOR TO BIH VISITS ONASA
SARAJEVO, Nov. 26 (ONASA) – General Manager of the Independent News Agency ONASA Elvira Begovic received today at the Agency’s seat in Sarajevo Italian Ambassador to BiH Raimondo de Cardona, whom she informed on the Agency’s work.
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.
The Italian Ambassador said that independent journalism was one of the pillars of a democratic society.
“Achieving independence in news agencies is difficult task. It is difficult to be fully shielded from various influences. The biggest challenges for a news agency is to be able to resist pressures and report on events in the world unbiased. The task is difficult but achievable, and it is the main target of every credible news organizations,” the Ambassador added.
He stressed that number of clients was the best indicator based on which the level of independence can be measures.
“When you are independent, then you have clients. When to stop being independent, you gradually lose the market.”
Ambassador de Cardona underscored that the situation in Italian media can be comparable with other big European democracies.
“In Italy there is a huge offer when it comes to news agencies, press or TV houses. This cannot be compared to the situation in BiH, where the market is very limited. To use the potential it has, BiH needs to cooperate with neighboring markets in order to return the regional spirit. In terms of economy and objectives, this regions is one family. I deem it is important for all media organizations in BiH to operate in regional spirit. If this is achieved, then it is possible to gradually reach the level present in EU countries,” the Ambassador said.
During the visit, the Italian Ambassador to BiH toured ONASA premises, and spoke with employees.
He took office in June 2009. (end)