Moldovan government endorses draft of new media law; Culture minister describes step as necessary for modernizing legal framework in sector

The legal framework applicable to the media sector of Moldova will be modernized and aligned with European standards. The government today endorsed the draft of the new media law. Culture Minister Cristian Jardan said that Moldova needed a modern, clear legal framework, adapted to current realities.

The draft is meant to replace the current Press Law, adopted in 1994, in a social, technological and informational context quite different from the today’s one.

The culture minister noted that the media space had fundamentally changed, with the emergence of digital platforms, new forms of communication and challenges related to ownership transparency, the financing of media institutions, the protection of media pluralism, editorial independence and the fight against disinformation.

The official emphasized that Moldova needed a clear and modern law, adapted to today’s realities, which provides strong guarantees for freedom of expression, for journalistic activity and for a transparent and accountable media environment.

“This law is important not only for the media sector, but for society as a whole. A free, responsible and transparent press is an essential condition for democracy, for the correct information of citizens and for strengthening public trust,” said Minister Cristian Jardan.

The draft media law was developed by a group of MPs, with the support of members of the Civil Society Expert Council on the Media and aims to establish a unified legal framework applicable to all forms of media services.

Among the main goals of the draft, there are strengthening guarantees for freedom of expression and editorial independence, ensuring transparency of ownership structures and funding sources of media service providers, protecting journalistic activity and media pluralism, as well as regulating modern mechanisms for assessing media market concentration and measuring audiences.