APEL encourages transparent relations between TRM and independent producers

The purchases of media products from independent producers strengthen the editorial independence of the public broadcaster. That’s why it is important that the relations between these producers and Teleradio-Moldova (TRM) be based on transparent game rules, considers the executive director of the Association of Electronic Press APEL Ion Bunduchi. “The media products bought from independent producers diversify the content of the programs aired by the public broadcaster and stimulate the market. The market of independent producers in Moldova is underdeveloped. The turnover on this market in Europe totals billions,” Ion Bunduchi stated for Info-Prim Neo. According to the APEL executive director, the first attempt to lay down transparent game rules between the public broadcaster and independent producers was made in 2008, but the then administration of the company turned out to be unforthcoming to the APEL’s effort to set out regulations that would clearly explain in what conditions the purchases are made and who are considered independent producers. “The present administration is ready to improve things and reform certain segments. We will make an attempt again,” Ion Bunduchi said, referring to the context in which the national conference “Relationship between the public broadcaster and independent producers” was organized. Ion Bunduchi also said that both representatives of the national public broadcaster and independent producers stated their opinions in the conference. It was reached the conclusion that game rules acceptable to both of the parties are needed. “The few independent producers we have usually make donations and are contented that their media products are broadcast on the national channel. But these aspects should be also clarified,” he stated. The national conference “Relationship between the public broadcaster and independent producers” held on October 3 and 4 was the second organized within the Capacity Building for the Public Broadcasting Service Project that is financed by Soros Foundation Moldova and implemented by the Association of Electronic Press.