Conclusions of the 70th Assembly of the Croatian Journalists’ Association

CJA •︎ 30/11/2024

Source: hnd.hr
Conclusions of the 70th Assembly of the Croatian Journalists’ Association
HND / Nikola Šolić

At the 70th Assembly of the Croatian Journalists’ Association (CJA), held on November 30, 2024, in the Journalists’ Home, conclusions were adopted emphasizing the activities and priorities of the Association for the upcoming period. Among other goals, CJA will continue advocating for the decriminalization of all criminal offenses against honor and reputation, the protection of journalists from the so-called Lex AP, and the establishment of an appropriate funding model for local media. Below are the complete conclusions:

CONCLUSIONS

  1. CJA demands the decriminalization of all criminal offenses against honor and reputation
    The Association believes that civil law provides sufficient means for those who feel wronged to seek redress. All journalists targeted by the so-called Lex AP are encouraged to contact CJA, which will provide them with legal and other forms of support.
  2. CJA will continue to push for an appropriate funding model for local media, especially in light of the drafting of a new Media Law.
  3. Advocacy for amendments to the Media Law
    CJA supports the merging of the Media Law with the Electronic Media Law.
  4. Implementation of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA)
    Implementing EMFA at the national level is crucial for ensuring transparency, pluralism, and independence of the media in Croatia. CJA plays a pivotal role in this process as the voice of the profession and a safeguard against political and economic pressures on the media. The Assembly proposes forming an interdisciplinary team to analyze necessary legislative changes, establish cooperation with key media sector stakeholders, and draft specific demands and an action plan. CJA aims to ensure that by August 2025, the government fully aligns Croatian legislation with EMFA provisions, guaranteeing freedom and quality of the media in line with European standards.
  5. CJA will advocate for the distribution of print media through public companies, such as Croatian Post
    If the state subsidizes print distribution, CJA’s support for such measures will be conditional on introducing mechanisms, particularly guarantees that there will be no new layoffs in the editorial offices of print media.
  6. CJA strongly opposes the frequent practice of covert advertising in the media, where advertising space is presented as editorial content without clear and unambiguous labeling that it is advertising.
  7. Revitalizing inactive branches and sections
    The Assembly highlights the inactivity of certain branches and sections, which it will work to reactivate. Efforts will also focus on opening CJA’s doors to young journalists and motivating them to join and participate in CJA’s activities.
  8. Thematic CJA Assembly on amendments to the Statute
    A thematic assembly dedicated to amendments to the Statute will be held in March 2025, in person. The Secretariat and the President are tasked with securing the necessary financial resources for its organization.