Moldova's Media: Glimmer of Hope Amidst Enduring Challenges
A glimmer of hope shines on Moldova's media landscape, according to the 2023 "Index on the State of the Press in Moldova (ISPM)" released by the Independent Journalism Center (IJC).
While significant challenges persist, including limited access to information, a human resource crisis, and economic hardships, progress in several key areas suggests a path towards improvement.
Members of the parliamentary committee on media, speaking to Radio Moldova, emphasised the crucial role of state institutions in enforcing existing media legislation more resolutely. The press situation was assessed by 14 evaluators, but their combined score fell considerably short of the required 60 points, highlighting the ongoing struggle for a truly free and vibrant media environment.
Areas of Improvement and Persistent Obstacles
IJC expert Cristina Durnea acknowledges a slight upward trend in several areas of national media. "Ensuring proper law enforcement remains a challenge," she states. "While political interference in media activity has shown some decrease compared to previous years, concerns persist, particularly at the local and regional levels. The economic environment remains the most vulnerable aspect, with the press operating under immense pressure. No single sector showed a continuous upward trajectory from the seven assessed indicators, but a relatively consistent positive trend has emerged over the past three years."
Calls for Stronger Enforcement and Ethical Journalism
Marcela Adam, a member of the parliamentary media committee, stressed the need for robust action from state institutions in applying the recently improved media legislation. "Political meddling appears to be on the decline," she stated, "but strong institutions enforcing the law as it stands are essential. Equally important are high-quality journalists who adhere to professional ethics and legal regulations."
ISPM Findings and Recommendations
The ISPM, now in its eighth year, serves as a crucial tool for identifying key developments within the media sector and pinpointing factors that impede its natural evolution. Media expert Ion Bunduchi, the document's author, proposes a set of recommendations to improve the situation. These include actively reporting instances of political interference and implementing the National Program for Media Development for the 2023-2026 period.
Translation by Iurie Tataru