More airtime for political parties

The political parties could obtain more airtime on the public television channels and radio stations, Info-Prim Neo reports. The Government approved a bill that allows offering more airtime on the public television channels and radio stations to political parties, and their candidates for elective positions during the election campaigns, free of charge and in equal amount. The bill was submitted by a group of five unaffiliated MPs. Under the legislative initiative, every political party will be offered monthly 15 minutes of radio airtime and 10 minutes of television airtime if they apply by the 20th day of every month so that the radio stations and TV channels can plan the broadcast schedule. “The bill does not run counter to the major objective of the public radio stations and TV channels - to provide diverse and high-quality information. The Government approved it, but Moldova has many political organizations and the listeners and viewers who want to watch programs about culture, education, medicine, economy, life and daily problems will be disappointed if there will be broadcast mainly political programs. On the other hand, the source from where the offered airtime will be covered is not indicated. The state budget is austere as you know,” said Minister of Justice Alexandru Tanase.