The danger of eliminating the distribution of print media and other periodicals

https://www.ipn.md/index.php/en/the-danger-of-eliminating-the-distribution-of-print-media-and-other-periodicals-7542_1071641.html

Dear citizens, journalists, representatives of non-governmental organizations, representatives of international organizations and other diplomatic missions in the Republic of Moldova,
Dear Mr. President,
Dear Madam Speaker,
Dear Prime Minister,
Dear Mr. Mayor,

We are concerned that an important branch of the distribution system of newspapers and other periodicals is in the process of extinction.

It all started in October 2017 with the approval by the Chisinau City Hall of the Regulation on Trading in Chisinau Municipality, according to which newsstands were placed in the same conditions as retail outlets for food, beverages of any kind, clothing, etc.

We draw everyone's attention to the fact that the distribution of print media and other periodicals is an activity with a strong social impact, and the state is obliged to guarantee it in terms of ensuring the freedom of press and the freedom of expression. This is enshrined in article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as articles 32 and 34 of the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova.

Moreover, the Moldovan press is facing many problems, but the issue of the distribution of newspapers and periodicals is becoming increasingly difficult to overcome, including because of excessive and unpredictable decisions of the Local Public Authorities and and the reluctance of the LPAs get acquainted with the character and social impact of this activity.

After several consolidated efforts, public debates and explanations of national and international experts, in February 2019, the Chisinau Municipal Council adopted a Decision (no. 2/12), which amended the mentioned Regulation and introduced exceptional conditions for the points of sale of periodicals and points of sale of flowers and plants. For the press, they provide for particular rigor- 60% of the showcase should be occupied with the exposure of periodicals, as well as the obligation to hold publishing contracts with editors of at least 50% of the titles of periodicals published in the Republic of Moldova.

In this context, MOLDPRESA GRUP - the largest retail distributor of newspapers and periodicals in the Republic of Moldova, immediately complied with the conditions of the Regulation Moreover, during 2019, we worked with the specialized services of the City Hall for the elaboration of the new design and the production of new kiosk to improve the visual aspect of the city, but also to create more comfortable conditions for the inhabitants of the capital.

However, even if the activity is carried out in strict compliance with the law, we note with regret that lately, under the pretext of "developing a new concept of location and activity of kiosks /or temporary trade units ", the preturs no longer extend layouts for press stalls and other periodicals, at least temporarily, until a new Concept is adopted. the terms of validity of the schemes for newsstands and other periodicals. Thus, 10 newsstands have already been abusively evacuated, being partially damaged, in the Ciocana sector, soon to be evacuated all kiosks of press from the Râșcani sector.

These actions inevitably lead to the liquidation of the retail distribution of newspapers and other periodicals and eliminate the possibility of citizens to exploit the right of access to information, constitutional law and the obligation of the state, regardless of whether it is central or local public authority.