Moldovan PM, media representatives discuss ensuring work of free, independent press

Chisinau, 18 June /MOLDPRES/ – Prime Minister, Maia Sandu, has met with media representatives on 18 June, so as to address mass media issues and the necessary solutions to ensure the functioning of a free and independent press. The event was attended by representatives of the Chisinau press, local media, investigative journalists, as well as representatives of media organisations, the government's communication and protocol department has reported.

"I should like to thank you for all your work and sleepless nights over the years, for some even decades, in which they have guarded democracy. I saw, especially in recent few days and weeks, reporters who have risked with personal security to find out the truth, news editors who worked endlessly, journalists who were threatened because of investigations. I am sure that you do not need the thanks of politicians, but change of attitude and, of course, change of legislation so that you are protected, have access to info and can work in good conditions and with good wages," said PM Maia Sandu.

The Premier has also specified the need to set foundations for an independent and sustainable media in Moldova, as today we are faced with skirmishes in it. Thus, the PM has mentioned the most important patterns in the system. Among these are: inefficiency of the Audiovisual Coordination Council (CCA), restricting access to public info, monopolising the advertising market, and neglecting the public interest by national TV – it being paid out of the money of citizens. Also, Maia Sandu referred to the financial problems faced by local media.

The representatives of the media have also pointed out some other matters, especially the inaction and inefficiency of the Competition Council (CC) and abuses at the Post of Moldova (PM), which did not deliver in some localities "inconvenient" newspapers to ex – Government. They also talked about the delay in investigating cases of pressure on journalists.

Under the meeting format, the participants have asked for re – evaluation of rental rates for mass media in state institutions, establishing a fair TV audience rating, state support for local and educational content production, replacement of the CCA's members, and market de – monopoly advertising. Similarly, it was stressed upon the need to develop a legal framework for transparency of financing of media institutions, as well as revision of the law on personal data and on use of drones.

During the meeting, the PM has specified that it will be drawn up a short – term action plan of 100 days in perspective, aimed to take a series of measures in solving the system issues and ensure functioning of a free and independent mass media.