What cannot be bought with money, can be bought with a lot of money. This is a well-known saying, which works flawlessly in reality, especially in the world of the Macedonian oligarchs and tycoons, since the independence of the country and especially after the implementation of the grim process of privatization.

In this context, the role of the media in the country should be considered, because they are no different from all other economic entities. The owners of the media, especially the electronic ones with a national concession, have always used them as a means of pressure on each government, with the sole purpose of achieving their own financial interests.

Coincidentally or not, TV Telma has once again found itself in the public spotlight these days. The change in its, so far relatively balanced editorial policy, which has undergone a complete reversal, has already become openly noticeable. Thus, for some time now, Telma has turned into a pro-government medium.

The political-informative shows on TV Telma are dominated by news and information in favor of the government, and there is no place for the opposition! And if there is some, then it is exposed to attacks and pressure as if it was the government in the country! The professional and balanced approach to information has become an equation with two, three unknowns.

Another story are the informative shows in which representatives of the opposition are invited as guests. Instead of a correct attitude, the TV hosts show nervousness and even open impatience, which borders on not having an elementary culture in behavior.

It is more than clear to even the biggest lay people and impartial viewers and observers that the whole situation has changed since the deal between the Government of Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and the company Makpetrol AD-Skopje, which also owns TV Telma, over the dominant ownership of the GA-MA gas pipeline. The dispute lasted for years, or rather decades, after construction began.

The government estimated the value of Makpetrol’s investment at 32 million euros and adopted a bill to resolve the dispute by mutual agreement. Whether the funds have already been paid or are yet to be paid is not so important. It is important that the “package” includes the editorial policy of TV Telma.