TTV marks its 47th anniversary with a workshop on ensuring independence and neutrality. (Photo: TTV)

EBU Member Tunisian Television (TTV) marked its 47th anniversary last week (30 May) with a conference dedicated to safeguarding the independence and neutrality of public television.

Jointly organized by TTV, UNESCO and the BBC, the conference featured Tunisian and international media experts, as well as Tunisian Prime Minister Ali Laarayedh and the Vice-President of the Constituent Assembly Mehreyia Laâbidi.

After visiting a photo exhibition depicting historical moments at the TTV, Laarayedh opened the conference saying that the government would do everything it could to encourage a Tunisian press that is free, respected and accountable.

He pointed out that consultations with various trade associations representing the press were underway in order to resolve some of the problems hindering such progress, but also stressed that sector reform is an internal matter and that journalists have a duty in maintaining the neutrality of the of the public institution.

Laarayedh said he also wants to see national television develop away from the influence of political pressure, with a respect for the journalistic ethics that are necessary in keeping TTV neutral and independent.

TTV Director General Imen Bahroun Ben Mrad re-enforced this sentiment, admitting that the broadcaster had once been an instrument for political propaganda, “However since January 14, the station has started it’s own revolution to move from being state television to public television.”

During the following workshop and discussions, Bahroun Ben Mrad acknowledged that the mission has not been an easy one and that the road ahead is still long. However she also noted that TTV has made huge efforts to becoming a true public service media, including the restructuring of the production house and, for the first time in its history, the establishment of an editorial line and code of ethics.