An independent survey on local media activities of Mongolia has disclosed that local authorities have been influencing the publicizing policy of local media organizations.
Anke Redl, journalist from “Media Monitor” agency has introduced result of the survey on independent status of Mongolian local media after having worked in the rural areas of Mongolia in September within the frame of UNESCO program.

According to the survey, almost 38 percent of the local 32 media organizations of 8 provinces in the south, east and northern regions have been working under direct authority of local Citizens’ Representatives Meeting or the Governor Office. The property, personnel, techniques are somehow dependent on the above-mentioned subjects.

As said in the survey, local authorities have been influencing the publicizing policies of the local print and broadcast media due to such reasons.

The most independent local media organization from the authorities is media outlets in Darkhan-Uul aimag, noted in the survey.

Local journalists unanimously agreed on the need for immediate issue of a resolution by the Parliament on providing the local media with independence and getting worked them to deliver information expected by the public without any obstacles.

In current situation where the media status has been different, professional skills and ethics of the journalists working under apparent influences, balanced principle of the programs will specifically affect independence of the given print and broadcast media, stressed Anke Redl.
2006.09.26

U.Ragchaasuren /Globe’s north regional monitor/