Discussions on the new audiovisual law

The field of audiovisual media is set to undergo significant changes with the introduction of a new law, sparking extensive discussions and consultations. Members of the Senate's Culture Committee held a working meeting with representatives of the National Audiovisual Council (CNA) as part of the process of drafting a new audiovisual law. The agenda of the discussions included the need to update legislation for online media and the activities of the CNA in light of the upcoming election year.

According to a statement by the committee: "The meeting took place in the context of ongoing work on a new Audiovisual Law, following the negative opinion issued by the Legislative Council regarding the republication of the existing law. The activity and functioning of the Council are central to the aforementioned law. During the discussions, other topics were also addressed, such as the status of investments in infrastructure, modernization programs funded by the state budget in recent years, projects financed through European funds, the necessity of updating legislation for online media (including the protection of minors and platform regulation), and the activities of the CNA in anticipation of the 2024 electoral year."

Senator Lucian Romaşcanu emphasized that, at this moment, the legislative body lacks an institutional partner with broad representation in the national media domain, whether it be journalists or media owners. Senator Remus Negoi asserted the need for stricter enforcement of regulations in addressing any deviations from the provisions of audiovisual legislation.

The President of the CNA, Maria Monica Gubernat, appreciated the interest shown by the members of the Culture and Media Committee in the Council's activities and challenges, reaffirming the Council's willingness to collaborate closely on legislative matters with the Romanian Parliament.

During the meeting, Senator Vlad Mircea Pufu, the President of the Culture and Media Committee, emphasized the importance of collaboration and communication between the CNA and the Parliament in the context of improving the current legal framework for audiovisual media services in Romania. Such working meetings should be a natural part of the committee's and the Council's activities.