The Council of the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media (REM) failed to elect a chairperson during its constituent meeting on Monday after the two candidates received an equal number of votes.
Acting chair Dubravka Valic Nedeljkovic said that the decision came down to nuances and that she expects a chairperson and deputy to be elected at the next meeting, which is expected to be convened by the end of the month.
She noted a constructive atmosphere among the Council members, and said the group has already reached a consensus regarding the professional and educational requirements for the role, the necessary media experience, and the length of the term.
Valic Nedeljkovic explained that as the most senior member, she will preside until a consensus is reached, adding that a permanent chair is vital for the regulator to begin resolving its pending issues.
The previous REM Council’s term expired more than a year ago, and the body has not been fully functional since. The process of appointing new members has been underway for months, marked by nominations from state, independent, and minority organizations amid allegations of irregularities. As a nominally independent body, the REM is responsible for awarding national broadcast frequencies.
Source: N1
