We are at a longer distance from the public audiovisual objectives than a decade ago, the president of UJM affirms

In 2006 we are at a longer distance from the objectives of a public audiovisual than ten years ago. We must improve the legislation in the audiovisual area so it would correspond to the international standards, declared Valeriu Saharneanu, the president of the Journalists’ Union at the 2-days seminar “National Audiovisual: adjusting the juridical framework in the area to the European standards”. Saharneanu declared that he has many objections to the Code’s draft and he referred especially to the modality used to form the Audiovisual Coordinating Council and to the 25% foreign capital limit in an audiovisual institution, although the Republic of Moldova needs an attractive strategy for the foreign investors, inclusively in the audiovisual area. All the institutions the state creates in this area must be as much as possible representative and depoliticized. These institutions must be interesting for a wide range of persons. Objections are also expressed because the Code was elaborated secretly from the civil society, for unknown reasons. Saharneanu proposed the MPs not to hurry to adopt this project, because we might find out later the law is less qualitative than the present one. “We want an equitable law, that would signify the end of transition”, said the president of UJM. The ombudsman Iurie Perevoznic said he welcomes the existence of several bills in the audiovisual area, but he considers it is incorrect to examine such documents in a restricted circle. He mentioned the society deserves a legislative background that corresponds to international standards and guarantees the independence and the development of the audiovisual. The seminar was organized by the Electronic Press Association – APEL with the support of the Council of Europe, attended by European and Moldavian experts, statesmen, NGOs and media institutions representatives.