Do you think that some ideas are "banned" in our society? That there are "taboo" topics, that there are untouchable untouchable individuals, as well as that the current topics are directed in advance behind the curtais? Do yoi think that there is a major issue with the way we are informed, and that media are not working in favour of the democracy? If you believe so, that most probably you will sign the petition of European Initiative for Media Pluralism. If you're still in doubt, here are a few arguments to support your vote:
1. Direct contribution towards media pluralism in the EU and Bulgaria.
ECI is and instrument of direct democracy in the EU which enable citizens to make legislative proposals to European Institutions. With one million signatures from at least 7 countries from the Union the Commission is required to submit a proposal to the European Parliament and Council to vote. Each country has a quota of necessary signatures, depending on its size and population, for Bulgaria 13,500 signatures are required.
2. Clear political indication.
Whether the initiative could compel the Commission to propose legislative measures in favour of media pluralism in Europe, collecting 13,500 signatures for the cause in Bulgaria would be great. It would show without a doubt that Bulgarians are concerned about media pluralism, and ready to organize themselves for civic action to achieve it.
And, if we collect more than the necessary signatures (eg. 20,000), the faster all countries in total will meet their quotas in general – if we show exceptional activity on the topic, the signal will be even stronger and clearer. We are already among the most active on this issue. With all relevant conclusions as our medium, that imposes such behaviour…
3. Raises a topic of great importance – which hasn’t been discussed in general public before.
With every signature that supports the initiative, you ask the question: ‘Is there media pluralism in the Bulgarian media environment?’ and ‘Why isn’t there?’ It seems this topic is difficult to raise to the public stage since the media themselves (or most of them) are not willing to talk about their own problems - especially if you have to recognize that there is no pluralism or that there is pressure on journalists, or that public firms are controlled by directed flows of funding on advertising.
Nothing can stop it, and no one can hide from the clearly expressed will of the people for change. Once the problem is recognized, information about the evils of the current media environment will be obvious, and the people will rise against them and oblige the newspapers, radio, television, of course not without the help of social networks and blogs, to bring attention to this hard to raise subject.
MOVE.BG recognizes the validity of these reasons and stands behind ECI media pluralism. In strategic partnership with the initiators of the ‘European alternatives,’ ‘International Alliance of Journalists’ and the support of everyone interested in engaging in NGOs and citizens will hold and intensive campaign to collect signatures in support of the initiative; to raise specific issues of the broader area of the media and their role in democracy and their discussion publicly – to find common, sustainable, and long-term solutions to improve the social environment in Bulgaria.
Author: Dimo Gospodinov, coordinator of the initiative by MOVE.BG
