The fines for violating the Broadcasting Code should be significantly increased, but alternative methods should be also found to counteract the dissemination of false information. Such statements were made in a meeting of the public discussions club “STOP FALS” that was held under the aegis of the Association of Independent Press, IPN reports.

Chairman of the Broadcasting Coordination Council Dinu Ciocan said the provisions of the Broadcasting Code, especially Article 38 that stipulates punishment, should be amended. The penalties should not be imposed gradually. Deliberate false reporting, particularly during election campaigns, should be punished according to gravity. “We cannot play with public warnings, minimal fines of 1,800 lei or maximal fines of 5,400 lei when 1 minute of advertising at a broadcaster costs €4,000-5,000,” stated Dinu Ciocan.

Petru Macovei, executive director of the Association of Independent Press, said he is against closing or banning broadcasters, noting alternative methods and possibilities should be identified to counteract the dissemination of false information. Self-regulation could be a solution in the long run.

The discussions club “STOP FALS” meets monthly and brings together journalists, university teachers, opinion leaders and representatives of mass media regulatory bodies.