Subscription tax for public TV and radio regarded differently by the European experts and TRM leadership

Introducing the subscription tax for radio and TV services, as a mechanism of financing the public broadcasting institutions, is not a solution for the Republic of Moldova, considers the representative of the Company “Teleradio-Moldova” (TRM). On the other hand, international experts consider that this mechanism will allow a better activity of the Company and would exclude the possibility of the leadership’s interference in its activity. This opinions were formulated during the seminar “Public Broadcasting Service: to ensure independence of editorial policy and institutional autonomy”, organized by the Electronic Press Association APEL, with the support of the Media Division of the Council of Europe. The president of TRM, Ilie Telescu declared within the seminar that, according to the legislation, the Company is financed through several sources: state budget (the most consistent source), publicity, sponsorship, sells, programs etc. Although this method has some inconveniences, introducing the subscription tax in the present economic conditions “will not strike root” in Moldova, Telescu considers. The deputy chairman of “Radio Moldova” radio station states that the population will not accept to pay for these services. On the other hand the experts of the Council of Europe, Christian Nissen and Boris Bergant pleaded in favor of introducing these practices in Moldova. According to the European experts, this method of financing will ensure a greater independence of the institution and at the same time a higher responsibility. Even in the situation of the Republic of Moldova each family could find 2-3 euros per year for qualitative services, Nissen said. Ion Enache, the vice-director of the public radio station “Antena C” considers that financing the public broadcasters with budgetary money generates “financial censorship”, which can be used as an indirect influence method. The seminar “Public Broadcasting Service: to ensure independence of editorial policy and institutional autonomy” lasted 2 days and aimed at identifying solutions in order to ensure institutional autonomy and editorial independence of the public broadcasting institutions.