Brussels, 30/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - In a resolution adopted at the 25 September plenary by 307 votes for, 262 against, with 28 abstentions, MEPs gave their support to protect media pluralism and ensure all citizens free access to a diverse press. Drawn up by the PES, ALDE and the Greens/EFA, the resolution is a revised version of the own initiative report elaborated by Marianne Mikko (PES, Estonia) and the culture committee, also adopted on 25 September (EUROPE 9678). In their resolution, MEPs underline the need for the European authorities and member states to protect journalists and editors' independence and to propose editorial charters to prevent interference from owners, shareholders or any other external body such as governments. In an effort to develop greater transparency of goals and identity of the broadcaster and publisher, the resolution also encourages the disclosure of ownership and all media outlets. MEPs also voiced concern over the media's ability to carry out the role of a watchdog of democracy, when private media enterprises are motivated by financial profit, and warn that this could lead to loss of diversity. The resolution considers that competition law and media law should be interlinked to avoid conflicts between media ownership concentration and political power. MEPs believe that weblogs represent an important new contribution to freedom of expression and are often used by both media professionals and private persons. An open discussion on all issues relating to the status of weblogs is being encouraged. On this point the resolution is slightly different from the proposal from the Committee on Culture that suggested a “clarification of their status and legal safeguards that could be used in the event of litigation and the right of reply”. The resolution also underlines the importance of the protection of copyrights online, insisting that third parties have to mention the source when taking over declarations. (I.L./trans/rh)