Vasile Tarlev violated the provisions of the Audiovisual Code

The Audiovisual Code forbids any interference of the public authorities in the programme services, Vlad Turcanu, chairman of the Broadcasting Coordination Council told a press conference when asked to comment on the recent statements by Vasile Tarlev about the Teleradio-Moldova Company. Turcanu said he will not comment on the statements, but specified that the provisions of the Audiovisual Code prohibit the interference of public authorities in the editorial policy of the broadcasters. On August 1, Prime Minister Vasile Tarlev expressed dissatisfaction with the way “Teleradio-Moldova” (TRM) covers the achievements of the Government. Vasile Tarlev made it clear that the Government could change its strategy concerning mass-media in order to ensure an exhaustive coverage of governmental policies. According to the prime minister, an agreement has already passed with the president of “Teleradio-Moldova” Valentin Todercan to draft a cooperation agreement which would stipulate what exactly the public radio and television should broadcast about the government. Article 8, point 4 of the Audiovisual Code puts it explicitly: “Any kind of interference of public authorities or any other persons from outside the given institution in the content, shape or illustration methods of elements comprised in programme services is interdicted.”