**Updates IFEX alert of 27 March 2000** (ANEM/IFEX) – The following is a 28 March 2000 ANEM press release: Newsprint shortage threatens independent print media BELGRADE, March 28, 2000 – The Association of Independent Electronic Media today warned of threats to independent print media in Serbia caused by the current shortage of newsprint. ANEM also […]
**Updates IFEX alert of 27 March 2000**
(ANEM/IFEX) – The following is a 28 March 2000 ANEM press release:
Newsprint shortage threatens independent print media
BELGRADE, March 28, 2000 – The Association of Independent Electronic Media today warned of threats to independent print media in Serbia caused by the current shortage of newsprint. ANEM also expressed support for the demand of publishers to be permitted to import newsprint.
Yugoslavia’s only newsprint manufacturer, Matroz, suspended production on Saturday, citing a shortage of the coniferous cellulose used as raw material. The cellulose is normally imported from Romania through an Austrian firm. Deliveries have been halted because of payment problems. Serbian government officials have announced that newsprint production will resume in early April.
Newsprint cannot be imported without a licence from the Yugoslav Foreign Trade Ministry, which has consistently denied import licences to independent publishers, while permitting certain trading companies to import paper. This has resulted in the cost of imported paper being significantly higher than the local product.
Because the independent print media in Serbia keep relatively low stocks of newsprint, ANEM warns that independent dailies and weeklies may soon be forced to stop publishing.