Television stations in the Republic of Moldova will have to broadcast programs in Romanian or dubbed or soundtracked in Romanian for at least 50% of the time, between 06:00–24:00. This provision is part of the amendments to the Audiovisual Media Services Code, voted by Parliament in the final reading.
The requirement does not apply to providers whose services are intended for communities in administrative-territorial units where an ethnic minority represents the majority of the population.
At the same time, the minimum quota of TV services in Romanian in the distributors’ packages will increase from 50% to 60%. TV services in another language will not be able to exceed 30% of the package for each language separately, writes IPN.
The amendments also provide new rules for the regional public provider in Gagauzia, “Gagauziya Radio Televizionu” (GRT). The director of the institution will be appointed through a public competition, and the law will establish the duties of the Management Committee and the responsibilities of the Supervisory Council.
Also, the quota of musical works by composers and artists from the Republic of Moldova, for thematic television with a musical profile and radio stations, will increase from 10% to 20%.
The 30% quota for musical works in Romanian remains unchanged.
The law also establishes quotas for audiovisual works produced by independent producers from the Republic of Moldova and Europe, introduces measures to protect the personal data of minors, and provides for annual reporting of accessibility measures for people with disabilities.
Most of the provisions will come into effect on January 1, 2027, with the exception of some provisions that will apply from the date of entry into force of the Treaty of Accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union.