A platform called “Friends of Teleradio-Moldova”, which aims to mobilize civil society and the partner states of the Republic of Moldova to strengthen the public broadcaster against the phenomenon of disinformation, was launched on Monday. The event was attended by the Romanian and Japanese ambassadors to the Republic of Moldova. Japan and Romania being among the founding countries of the platform, IPN reports.

Teleradio-Moldova (TRM) director general Vlad Țurcanu said that the broadcaster intends to obtain external financial assistance by mobilizing civil society, the partner states of Moldova, the diplomatic corps accredited in Chisinau and international donors. Moreover, the institution aims to have qualified staff, including journalists and technicians who would respond to the current challenges.

He stressed the need to strengthen the institution through a joint effort so that society has clear benchmarks in understanding and countering disinformation that destabilizes it. “We need to get funds from outside the institution so as not only to have more money for development, but to increase our independence from the state. As a public institution, we follow the precepts intended for us in order to fulfill certain tasks that society wants or designs. At the same time, we must have independence to be professional and to report dispassionately about things happening in society,” stated Vlad Țurcanu, being quoted by TRM.

Attending the launch of the Platform, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Moldova Yamada Yoichiro spoke about the need to keep the freedom of expression, but also to fight propaganda. “Two years ago, the Moldovan government justly condemned Russia’s aggression and applied for accession to the European Union. In response, Russia has exerted a great deal of pressure on Moldova and caused very high inflation by reducing energy supplies. (...) It is unacceptable for the Russian leaders to intimidate a neutral and peace-loving country with the invasion,” said the diplomat.

RomanianAmbassador in Chisinau Cristian Leon-Țurcanu noted that Romania’s experience of transforming the state television and radio from propaganda instruments into free institutions could be helpful for Teleradio-Moldova. “We are part of a group that wants very much to contribute to the growth and development of Teleradio-Moldova, which has a particularly important role in these troubled times, as I said, at a time when the Republic of Moldova is daily the target of hybrid attacks coming from Russia, attacks that are based, first and foremost, on propaganda and fake news. For this reason, we join with all our soul this effort so as to come and support first of all Teleradio-Moldova’s team, Teleradio-Moldova as an institution and we ultimately come to support the citizens from this bank of the Prut River,” said the Romanian official.

The platform remains open to other entities and individuals who want to support the public broadcasting institution.