The Broadcasting Coordination Council (BCC) examined the situation following mass media reports about the fact that the Supervisory Board of the Public Company “Gagauziya Radio Televizionu” put forward the initiative to amend the local legislation on television and radio. The BCC is concerned that the democratic principles of functioning of the regional public broadcaster and its independence could be undermined, IPN reports.

In a communique, the BCC says the Supervisory Board’s proposals refer to the modification of the administrative and inspection bodies – the control of the activity of the company and its administration (according to the autocratic principle) and suspension of the legal effects of chapter VI of the Broadcasting Law of Gagauzia so as to temporarily close (dismiss all the employees of) the Public Company “Gagauziya Radio Televizionu”.

The BCC is also concerned about the work conditions of the journalists and employees of “Gagauziya Radio Televizionu” and about the fact that these are subject to pressure and threats that can hamper their free professional activity.

The Broadcasting Coordination Council said it will ask all the sides involved to state their opinion on the issues concerning the Public Company “Gagauziya Radio Televizionu” and will monitor the situation so as to prevent the violation of the journalists’ right to free expression and the right of the Gagauz people to have an independent, equidistant and democratic public broadcaster.