Guidelines on the use of Minority Languages in the Broadcast Media certain languages. In order to provide further guidance in practical situations and drawing on examples of good practice identified in the survey of State practice, suggestions are provided for ways in which States may meet their obligations with respect to linguistic minorities. The Guidelines are also intended to be read and implemented in the context of technological developments in the modern broadcast media with the increasing possibilities in the field of communication for the use of multiple languages. The important role of the free market in ensuring a flourishing diverse and independent broadcast media are also reflected in the Guidelines, which provide options for the realisation of obligations relating to minority language use whether through public or private sector broadcasting. The Guidelines are divided into four sub-headings which group the seventeen individual Guidelines under general principles, policy, regulation, and the promotion of minority languages. All guidelines are to be interpreted in accordance with the General Principles in Part I. In Part II, the need for States to develop policy and law in this area is established and guidance in this respect is provided. Some parameters for the limits of permissible regulation are then defined. In the final section, a number of alternatives are suggested for the promotion of minority languages. A more detailed explanation of each recommendation or guideline is provided in an accompanying Explanatory Note wherein express reference to the relevant international standards is found. It is hoped that the Guidelines will be widely used and broadly distributed. 5