Press is sometimes a tool in others’ hands, Marian Pocaznoi

Some mass media bodies leave the impression that they are on tools in other powers’ hands. The statement was made by chairman of the Broadcasting Coordinating Council (BCC) Marian Pocaznoi during the debates “Electronic press and political culture: responsibility for the tamed”, organized by Info-Prim Neo news agency. The BCC head admits that mass media is a business and that editors have to choose between ethics, public interest and ratings. “I understand it’s a business, but the press is meant to inform. Almost all our news bulletins begin with ‘X was killed’, ‘Y was raped’, etc.”, he said. Marian Pocaznoi recalled a case when the Council had to forbid the airing of a news bulletin by a TV channel at 5 PM because it contained only news about murders, crimes and terrible accidents. “If they want to air such information, let them do it after 10 PM. Those who want to watch them should do so after this hour”, the BCC head said. Following amendments to the Broadcasting Code, the mass media has enjoyed more editorial freedom. “BCC only watches that all the rules are respected. The blame for mistakes in broadcasted information must be taken by journalists. I sometimes attend the discussions in the Parliament. In the evening, at the news, I see only the arguments and the ridicules between the MPs, but nothing about the adopted laws and their impact on society”, said the BCC head. Marian Pocaznoi supported his idea that the press was sometimes only a tool used by others with the example of NIT TV channel, whose license was withdrawn. “BCC attended the NIT trial, but some journalists claimed we did not, which wasn’t true. Later, European officials asked why we didn’t attend the trial. The lack of professionalism of some journalists affects the whole image of our country”, said Pocaznoi. During the debate, the participants asked questions regarding the owners the TV channels in Moldova. Marian Pocaznoi however showed little interest in the matter. He was more concerned with the professionalism and deontology of the employees of these TV channels. The public debate “Electronic press and political culture: responsibility for the tamed” was the 11th event in the series “Developing political culture in public debates”, supported by the German Foundation Hanns Seidel.