Media service providers will need to provide clear information about the ownership structure and about the people who exercise control or influence over editorial activities. The Parliament approved in the first reading the new Media Law, which introduces increased transparency obligations for media institutions and establishes rules designed to protect editorial independence and informational pluralism, reports IPN.
At the same time, the law regulates situations of conflict of interest that could affect the impartiality of journalistic content. The normative act also includes provisions regarding the protection of journalists, editorial independence, combating misinformation, and developing media education.
The project sparked intense debates in the plenary. The deputy of the Socialist Party, Adela Raileanu, stated that the initiative contains important provisions regarding media pluralism, editorial independence, and journalists’ rights, but criticized some formulations and implementation mechanisms. “A press law must provide guarantees for the freedom of journalism, not create premises for extending administrative control over it,” the deputy mentioned.
In turn, the deputy of the Political Party Our Party, Nicolae Margarint, stated that the parliamentary majority is using European standards as a cover to create various levers to keep the press under control.
The representatives of the parliamentary majority have rejected the opposition’s criticisms. PAS deputy Marcela Adam stated that the Republic of Moldova has learned in recent years how important the existence of an independent press is and how dangerous the manipulation of the information space can become. “I urge you to vote not just for a legislative text, but for a society where truth has value,” she declared.
The authors of the initiative argue that the new rules will contribute to increasing transparency in the media sector and strengthening a safer and more resilient information environment against political or economic influences. The legislative initiative was approved with the vote of 53 deputies of the parliamentary majority.
