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The media landscape of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia remains overfull and chaotic, characterised by commercialisation and lack of professionalism. Plurality of opinion exists, but media remain largely divided along ethnic lines. Though some quality magazines have emerged, the majority of the media is characterised by sensationalism and lack of quality. However, media reform is progressing. Adoption of a new broadcast law regulating the radio and TV market is pending. The new law should guarantee the independence of Macedonian Radio and Television (MRTV) and of the Broadcasting Council and put an end to the chaos in the broadcast sector. A law on Access to information is in preparation. Macedonia has 12 daily newspapers, 11 weeklies and 13 bi-weekly or monthly magazines; 3 public broadcaster TV and radio channels, 7 private national TV or radio stations, 52 local TV stations and 94 local radio stations. Macedonian production is very limited; production of documentaries, TV drama and educational programs is almost non-existent. Typically, the news of the newspapers is two days late, as a result of closing time. Macedonia has several active media support institutes and trade associations, although the association of journalists remains disorganised and vulnerable.
In Macedonia, Press Now is focussing on the transformation of MRTV from state to public broadcaster, the reform of journalism studies at the University of Skopje, and structural support to minority and multi-ethnic media. Next to that, Press Now supports the Association of Private Electronic Media (APEMM).
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