Without a robust legal and regulatory framework, institutionally protected public and private media and a politically and financially independent broadcast regulator and public service broadcaster, it will not be possible to meet the challenges of digitalization and harmonization with international standards, let alone create a free and vibrant media environment. […] There is also an urgent need for the state to completely withdraw from the media market and to foster an environment conducive to free media and safety of journalists. […] The case of journalist Laszlo Sass showed that there is a need to fully decriminalize defamation as the threat of criminal sanctions for speech offences has the potential to stifle public debate.

OSCE media freedom representative visits Serbia, urges government to speed up media reforms

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