TVR will challenge BCC decision in court

The Board of the Romanian Television (TVR) decided at its meeting on Tuesday, November 27, to bring before the Chisinau Court of Appeals an action against the Moldovan Broadcasting Coordination Council (BCC) which had decided to grant the licence held by TVR to another broadcaster, TVR’s PR department said in a press release, quoted by Info-Prim Neo. The Board announced its intention to sue BCC following the refusal of the Moldovan broadcasting regulator to satisfy a complaint filed by the Romanian Television Corporation (SRTV) requesting the annulment of the respective decision. Thus, TVR stands firm on the position that the BCC’s decision disrespected the Moldovan legislation, in particular, Article 27 of the Broadcasting Code, which stipulates that the withdrawal of a licence may be ordered by the BCC only if, for technical reasons, a broadcaster fails to observe the pre-established broadcast schedule for more than 45 days. The Romanian Television reminds that the withdrawal of the licence also runs counter to an agreement between TVR and BCC allowing the former to broadcast its programmes on the Moldovan territory in the period from 2006 to 2011, based on which the BCC granted TVR a broadcasting licence, which stipulated that the disputes involving the agreement should be settled through negotiations and consultations and, eventually, in court. The BCC, however, didn’t invite SRTV to the consultation table whenever it considered it necessary. At the same time, the Romanian Television informs that all the debts owed to the Moldovan party have been cleared. The Board also decided to maintain its claim for compensation of pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages totalling 500,000 euros. TVR holds a broadcasting licence valid until 16 February 2011, issued by the BCC on 14 February 2006.