Ford May Build a Plant in Croatia

[californiacro]

justapixel said:

I think it's worth trying harder. What about newspapers?

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If someone had the info Iraq claims he has.... newspaper and tv would eat it up... new media are always looking for dirt and to be the first to uncover a scandal.

[irac]

Justapixel, all but one newspaper in the country are owned by HDZ backers and the party itself. HRT is controlled by HDZ, RTL and Nova are only interested in toeing the party line as if they don't then they lose their licences. There are a number of websites that can be utilised, but as with so many things in Croatia, everybody is linked and nobody wants to rock the boat as they'd lose out.

The Hotel Sibenik scandal is one that the media happily reported as a big success, done deal, and that it's the best thing in the history of Sibenik (the papers actually reported that). But like the Marina Kremik deal there are 2 contracts and also violates any number of environmental regs, and money is being excessively laundered. But again, hard evidence is nothing, not when in an authoritarian state the levers of power show an unbroken line back to Josip Broz.

justapixel said:

I think it's worth trying harder. What about newspapers?

.

[justapixel]

irac said:

Justapixel, all but one newspaper in the country are owned by HDZ backers and the party itself. HRT is controlled by HDZ, RTL and Nova are only interested in toeing the party line as if they don't then they lose their licences. There are a number of websites that can be utilised, but as with so many things in Croatia, everybody is linked and nobody wants to rock the boat as they'd lose out.

The Hotel Sibenik scandal is one that the media happily reported as a big success, done deal, and that it's the best thing in the history of Sibenik (the papers actually reported that). But like the Marina Kremik deal there are 2 contracts and also violates any number of environmental regs, and money is being excessively laundered. But again, hard evidence is nothing, not when in an authoritarian state the levers of power show an unbroken line back to Josip Broz.

Situation is not as grim as you say. Even under Tudjman HDZ was unable to hide their dirty underwear. Don't underestimate the power of public. HDZ threatened people, HDZ controlled the people, but information was alway able to break free. Right now, under Hloverka, HRT will really be a HDZ lackey, but a few months ago it wasn't - there have been authorities there that newer bowed down to the ruling party.

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[irac]

Justapixel, I really do believe that there are enough decent journo's in the country to make a difference. One of my best friends is better than any I have met (in non-sports) anywhere, but editorial control is such that he admits to becoming disillusioned. He is not a member of any party, has been threatened with firing for not joining the HDZ brigade, and as a result, despite being the finest news editor and anchor in the region, is one of only 2 TV journo's in Dalmatia NOT on full time contract - the other, is a Serb non-political.

It's hard for those who don't live or work here to understand the depth of corruption and stupidity that goes on, it's shocking at times. But like you, I will hope that the public will use their vote this November and force a change.

justapixel said:

irac said:

The Hotel Sibenik scandal is one that the media happily reported as a big success, done deal, and that it's the best thing in the history of Sibenik (the papers actually reported that). But like the Marina Kremik deal there are 2 contracts and also violates any number of environmental regs, and money is being excessively laundered. But again, hard evidence is nothing, not when in an authoritarian state the levers of power show an unbroken line back to Josip Broz.

Situation is not as grim as you say. Even under Tudjman HDZ was unable to hide their dirty underwear. Don't underestimate the power of public. HDZ threatened people, HDZ controlled the people, but information was alway able to break free. Right now, under Hloverka, HRT will really be a HDZ lackey, but a few months ago it wasn't - there have been authorities there that newer bowed down to the ruling party.

.

[justapixel]

irac said:

Justapixel, I really do believe that there are enough decent journo's in the country to make a difference. One of my best friends is better than any I have met (in non-sports) anywhere, but editorial control is such that he admits to becoming disillusioned. He is not a member of any party, has been threatened with firing for not joining the HDZ brigade, and as a result, despite being the finest news editor and anchor in the region, is one of only 2 TV journo's in Dalmatia NOT on full time contract - the other, is a Serb non-political.

It's hard for those who don't live or work here to understand the depth of corruption and stupidity that goes on, it's shocking at times. But like you, I will hope that the public will use their vote this November and force a change.

If you care, I know an executive editor of a (very yellow) Croatian daily newspaper. He has always been very opposed to HDZ so I see no way they could control him.

I'm aware Dalmatian media (and everything else) are deeply under HDZ control.

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[irac]

Justapixel, if you can pm or email it t me I can provide them with a lot of info, from mails, notes (meetings), and more. I felt very angry with our local rag being such bootlickers until I heard they were bought out by EPH, thus bringing them into line with the rest of the dailies.

I would greatly appreciate the contact.

justapixel said:

irac said:

Justapixel, I really do believe that there are enough decent journo's in the country to make a difference. One of my best friends is better than any I have met (in non-sports) anywhere, but editorial control is such that he admits to becoming disillusioned. He is not a member of any party, has been threatened with firing for not joining the HDZ brigade, and as a result, despite being the finest news editor and anchor in the region, is one of only 2 TV journo's in Dalmatia NOT on full time contract - the other, is a Serb non-political.

It's hard for those who don't live or work here to understand the depth of corruption and stupidity that goes on, it's shocking at times. But like you, I will hope that the public will use their vote this November and force a change.

If you care, I know an executive editor of a (very yellow) Croatian daily newspaper. He has always been very opposed to HDZ so I see no way they could control him.

I'm aware Dalmatian media (and everything else) are deeply under HDZ control.

.

[ags]

valiant said:

yeah..people can be trained.
i know that most croat hard core commy educated beurocrats would lobve to see fords factory workers complete 4 years of uni.
but a quick training course will do just fine!!
yeah..and if we have to have a car factory(plant sounds to green for something so black) , it should be in the slavonia(pannonia area of croatia , since dalmatia inherited the ancient name i dont see why slavonia cant be called pannonia) , where unemployment is high and people deserve cheaper cars if they already have to drive them.

maybe pannonia is like next to dalmatia by the lika region
and slavonia is way east from panononia...