engleski

Legislation as an Attempt to Manipulate Media Activity in Croatia in the Case of "The 25, 000 Words Criterion"

Despite establishing a multi-party democratic system since Croatian independence in 1990, there have been several cases when state authorities directly or indirectly tried or failed to control the media, or to interfere with editorial policy. One of the most famous cases occurred in June 2013, when the Parliament adopted a new VAT Act, proposed by the Government. According to the Act, a reduced, 5% VAT rate was imposed only on those daily newspapers considered to be general information press, who published journalistic contributions amounting to at least 25, 000 words per issue. In the opinion of professionals and the public opinion, this proposal was directly aimed against the tabloid newspaper 24sata, often publishing critical articles about the then Prime Minister Milanović and the ruling SDP. The case quickly ended before the Constitutional Court, suspending the provision’s implementation, followed by its withdrawal in November 2013. This unique “25, 000-words criterion” case is analysed as a case study, using several methods: description and analysis of selected daily newspapers (Večernji list, Jutarnji list, 24sata, Glas Slavonije). The authors attempt to determine whether and to what extent such legal provisions were directed specifically at 24sata, and the interpretative framework of each of the parties involved – politicians, media, corporations and the public.

media, 24sata, “25, 000-words criterion”, manipulation, media policy, legislation

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