Moldovan parliament adopts new code of audiovisual media services

Chisinau, 26 July /MOLDPRES/ - The parliament voted the new code of audiovisual media services of Moldova in the final reading today.

The document sees a string of regulations on the principles of audiovisual communication, on the basis of which all media services providers are to work. It is about: freedom of expression, editorial independence, ensuring the correct informing, protection of minors and persons with disabilities, gender balance, protection of the national audiovisual space, transparency of property, access to major important events, protection of journalists, right to retort, etc.   

The code contains 11 chapters and 90 articles. The chapters refer to the organization and work of linear media services, mission of the public media services providers, work of the national public provider, community providers of sound radio and TV services, distributors of media services, organization of non-linear audiovisual media services, audiovisual commercial communications, as well as the audiovisual council.   

According to the authors, when working out the regulations, decision-makers took into account the experience of more European countries; the document is aimed at adjusting the national legislation in the mass media sector to the European one.  

The document was elaborated by national and international experts, as well as by representatives of the civil society within the working group for improving the mass media legislation.

(Reporter A. Ciobanu, editor A. Raileanu)