DOC // Moldova has new media law

The Republic of Moldova has a new media law. It was published today in the Official Journal and will replace the previous press law, adopted in 1994. The document aims to create a unified legal framework that ensures a balance between freedom of expression, editorial responsibility, and the protection of media pluralism, in line with European standards and recent developments in the media market.

The new law establishes the general legal framework for the operation of media service providers, introduces complementary measures to guarantee freedom of expression, protect media pluralism, and safeguard the protection, autonomy, and safety of journalists, ensures institutional autonomy and editorial independence, and sets requirements regarding ownership and funding transparency, as well as the responsibilities of media service providers.

Under the law, a Register of Ownership and Funding Transparency of Media Service Providers will be established. Registration will be voluntary and will not be a condition for conducting media activities. The register will be managed by the Culture Ministry. The document will ensure the administrative monitoring of media service providers and facilitate public access to information regarding the ownership structure and main sources of funding of media institutions.

The new provisions aim to protect journalistic activity and strengthen safeguards for editorial independence through measures intended to prevent unjustified interference and ensure the free exercise of the journalistic profession. The law also establishes benchmarks for assessing concentrations in the media services market, including their impact on media pluralism and editorial independence.

The document also seeks to bring national legislation closer to the European standards established by Regulation (EU) 2024/1083 on establishing a common framework for media services in the internal market (European Media Freedom Act).

The media law will enter into force six months after its publication in the Official Journal of the Republic of Moldova. It will replace the previous press law, adopted in 1994, in a social, technological, and informational context different from that of today.