Now that the law on information security that amends the Broadcasting Code was adopted, the necessity of retransmitting Russian TV channels on Moldova’s territory disappeared because the interest of retransmitting companies diminished following the banning of propaganda news and debate programs, media expert Nicolae Damaschin stated in the program “Emphasis on today” on TVR Moldova channel, IPN reports.
“Now that the broadcasting of particular news bulletins and talk shows was banned, I assure you that the owners of Russian TV channels will no longer want to subsidize and to offer only recreational products to Moldovan TV channels,” said the ex-member of the Broadcasting Coordination Council, adding that a number of Russian TV channels will very soon stop providing content to broadcasters in Moldova.
Media researcher Aneta Gonta said the adoption of this law is an important step, but is insufficient for securing Moldova’s information space. “The information space of the Republic of Moldova should be protected and protection measures should have been taken starting with the next day of the declaration of independence. I think nobody can challenge this truth, but more important now are the mechanisms and forms of this struggle,” she stated, noting that the bill authors defined information security, not yet propaganda and didn’t specify how propaganda will be combated.
Democratic MP Sergiu Sarbu said he does not challenge the fact that the freedom of expression is a fundamental right that should be respected. This is not yet an absolute right and the European Convention on Human Rights envisions particular restrictions when it is about the information security of the state. “This mechanism is possibly a little late, but is necessary,” he stated. According to the MP, the changes will not fully exclude foreign propaganda, but will diminish it. These are restrictions that are proportional in a state with the rule of law and are legal and necessary for ensuring Moldova’s information security.
