Forty candidates seek three expert seats on ERR council

Forty people have applied for three expert positions on the council of Estonian Public Broadcasting, ERR reported, with candidates including communications specialists, cultural leaders, media executives and academics.

The public competition closed on Monday. Liina Kersna, chair of the Riigikogu’s Cultural Affairs Committee, said 40 applications had been submitted by midnight, meaning nearly 14 people are competing for each position.

“We are pleased to see such a strong field of candidates. In my view, this is recognition for public broadcasting, as so many knowledgeable and experienced people are willing to contribute their skills and expertise to ERR’s management and successful operation,” Kersna told ERR.

She said the applicants include strategic communications experts, people who have led cultural organisations, candidates with extensive business and management experience, legal experts, experienced journalists and media executives, academics, and social and humanities researchers.

Kersna said there were only a few applicants whose qualifications might not be sufficient for an expert position.

The Cultural Affairs Committee hopes to submit potential candidates to the full Riigikogu during its first three-week sitting period. The parliament will reconvene on September 14, and the committee’s first discussion is scheduled for September 15.

“I very much hope that we can approve the new council members for public broadcasting in September. We will see whether that succeeds,” Kersna said.

The Riigikogu appoints council members on the recommendation of the Cultural Affairs Committee. The bill is considered by the full parliament in a single reading and requires a majority of votes in favour to pass.

ERR’s council currently has four expert members: Paavo Nõgene, Raul Rebane, Rein Veidemann and council chair Sulev Valner. It also has six representatives of Riigikogu factions: Vadim Belobrovtse, Raimond Kaljulaid, Evelin Poolamets, Valdo Randpere, Marek Reinaas and Priit Sibul.

After the three new experts are appointed, the number of experts on the council will rise to seven. The change is intended to increase the political independence of ERR’s highest governing body.