Information event for stakeholders of the media community in Serbia on presentation of the Study “Regulatory Authorities for Electronic Media and Media Literacy - Comparative analysis of the best European practices” was organized by the Council of Europe Office in Belgrade, JUFREX Programme and the Embassy of Finland in Serbia, on 20 December 2018, in order to jointly point out the importance of the development of media literacy in Serbia and the Western Balkans region.

The study analyzes and indicates challenges and issues that come with living in a digitalized, hypertechnological mediated world, in which we are faced with countless information, issues of disinformation and fake news, algorithmic separation in ideological echo chambers, hate speech, clickbait journalism, and decreased trust in both mainstream media and the level of journalistic professionalism. With such a media ecosystem, it is vital to define the position of a regulatory authority for electronic media as well as its responsibilities and obligations, and stress the regulator's role in promoting and developing media literacy, one of the key skills for living in the 21st century and the answer to many questions and challenges that come with the modern era.

"The Council of Europe considers media literacy one of the main tools for strengthening media pluralism and the quality of media content. All media actors in Serbia have the responsibility to promote media literacy to enable understanding and critical analysis of content offered by traditional and digital media. Especially children have the right to a safe and stimulating media environment" said Head of the Council of Europe Office in Belgrade, Tobias Flesenkemper.

The study emphasizes that a prerequisite for every democratic process is a well-informed citizen. The Study presents several examples of best European practices and how to engage regulatory bodies and all other relevant actors to increase media literacy, with a particular focus on the Finnish model in this area. Media education is implemented in Finland wherever there are children and youth, not only in kindergartens and schools, but also in libraries, playrooms, youth centers, even in virtual communities and digital games.

As pointed out by the Ambassador of Finland in Belgrade, Perti Ikonen, the high level of media literacy of citizens is what the media in Finland forces to adhere to high professional standards, and basically the work of the institutions responsible for the promotion of media literacy.

Finland took over the chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in November this year, and during its term of office, until May 2019, the priorities of the Finnish Presidency will be to strengthen the human rights and rule of law system in Europe, support equality as well as inclusiveness with a particular focus on youth and the prevention of radicalization.

The study was developed within the framework of the Joint European Union and the Council of Europe Programme "Strengthening the Judicial Expertise on Freedom of Expression and Media in South-East Europe (JUFREX)".

Download:

• Regulatory Authorities for Electronic Media and Media Literacy - Comparative analysis of the best European practices”
• “Regulatorna tela za elektronske medije i medijska pismenost − Uporedna analiza najboljih evropskih praksi”

This event was implemented with the financial assistance of the European Union and the Council of Europe. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union