2006 News Archive

Joint Statement on the Reforms in the Republic of Moldova’s Broadcast Sector

Chisinau, 15 December 2006

Free, independent and pluralistic broadcast media are crucial for the development of a functioning democracy and, thus, for the Republic of Moldova’s declared goal of European integration. We recall the commitments undertaken by the Republic of Moldova to develop truly vibrant and free media under the EU-Moldova European Neighbourhood Action Plan.

We therefore urge the responsible authorities to ensure that the reforms currently underway in the Republic of Moldova’s broadcast sector will result in tangible improvements in this field.

We believe that the new Broadcast Code, if implemented in good faith and in the spirit of common Euro-Atlantic values, represents a fine beginning for the conduct of these reforms. At the same time, we are concerned that a unique chance for real progress might be missed if proper implementation is not assured.

We are particularly concerned regarding the reorganization of the Chisinau public broadcasting institutions Radio Antena-C and Euro-TV Chisinau. We urge all those involved to find a solution that ensures the continued functioning of both institutions, drawing on their experienced staff.  The reorganization process should neither result in a reduction of pluralism in the country’s media landscape nor should it deprive citizens of access to comprehensive and impartial information and public services, like, for example, debates on local politics.

We further call on the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova to ensure that the new members of Teleradio Moldova’s Supervisory Board be selected in a transparent manner, based on merit and professional experience.

Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria
Embassy of the Czech Republic
Embassy of France
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
Embassy of the Republic of Poland
Embassy of Romania
Embassy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Embassy of the United States of America
Delegation of the European Commission to the Republic of Moldova
Special Representative of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe 
OSCE Mission to Moldova