Minister “controls” media

According to article 22 of this draft-law, the minister has not only the right make proposals for development policies in the electronic communication sector, but he has also the right to propose legal or sub-legal acts for the development of the networks that support the media. The minister has also the right to give instructions.

The existing law does not include these competences. In the Parliamentary hearing session with interest groups in the Commission of Media, this law has been criticized as a possibility for damaging media independence.

“It is unclear and unnecessary. It has to do even with the competences of the minister in this draft-law. This intervention is inconsistent with the content of the other part of the law, and this article could create problems in the future”, said Ilda Londo, representative of the Media Institute.

The head of the Commission, Mark Marku, was more discrete and emphasized several times that this draft-law is still in a discussion phase.

“We think that the draft-law has room for improvements at this stage, and even for further details, if we can be more open. We will continue with the process and the opposition is welcome in the discussions”, Marku declared.

The head of the NCRT (National Council of Radio Television), Endira Bushati, asked for stronger sanctions and fines for abusive operators.

“The new project is not taking in consideration the existing digital operators. I think that we should wait the approval of this strategy. You can approve it with the current status, but it is guaranteed that there will be a fast amend, as soon as the new strategy will be approved”, Bushati declared.

The opposition was not present in this session, but they oppose this draft-law. Socialist MP Alfred Dalipi said for Top Channel that one of the basic conditions set by the European Union, is the wide consensus with the opposition for its approval. According to Mr. Dalipi, the draft-law not only does not respect this, but it totally bypasses the directives of the European Union.

Taking in consideration that this draft-law has been discussed for more than three years, the Socialists say that it is not normal that the government wants to approve it in such a short time, as an initiative for taking the media under control through articles such as the one that, according to them, gives for the first time controlling competences to the respective minister.

However, it remains to be seen what will happen in the days to come, because the head of the commission, Mark Marku, declared that he is open for cooperation with the opposition.

Top Channel