Representatives of media outlets welcome the government’s intention to adopt a new law that would counteract propaganda and fake news. Journalists said given that there are a multitude of TV channels retransmitted by Russia in Moldova, strict regulation of these is necessary. The executive director of the Association of Independent Press said the media outlets are obliged to ensure a pluralism of opinions and to present the reality without retouching, IPN reports.

Representatives of media NGOs said that amid the tensions between Russia and Ukraine and following the avalanche of information on the issue, the media consumers in Moldova should inform themselves from a number of sources and should avoid manipulative reports.

“The Republic of Moldova has been the target of foreign propaganda, especially of the pro-Kremlin propaganda, through the agency of multiple media outlets that are retransmitted here. In the current times of crisis, it is important to separate the wheat from the chaff, to choose credible, impartial information and avoid propaganda. Regrettably, the media consumers in our country are impacted twice – by the Russian propaganda and by media holdings that produce fake news themselves. The citizens should inform themselves from a number of sources. The analysis capacity is vital,” the executive director of the Association of Independent Petru Macovei stated in the talk show “Emphasis on Today” on TVR Moldova channel.

Journalists said an anti-propaganda law is welcome in Moldova and this should ensure the elimination of fake news from the media space. However, so as to clear the online environment from propaganda websites whose goal is to distort the reality, the press law of Moldova should be updated.

“The press law of 1994 does not stipulate the notion of online press. To have a law that will protect the media space, we must have a new press law and the law on access to information that is pending in Parliament should be adopted. The media education is also very important. Since 2017, we have had optional media education courses at all the school stages – primary, secondary, lyceum. We have over 11,000 children who chose to be taught to think critically,” stared journalist Oxana Iuteș.

Recently, Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu said the PAS majority drafted a bill that is designed to fight propaganda and fake news in Moldova. It will also govern the online environment and will introduce gradual penalties for media outlets that deviate from the norms.