Most of the European states have a half-century-old tradition of supporting and subsidizing the development of the mass media. As regards the Republic of Moldova, after almost three decades of independence, the country does not yet have a system for subsiding the press and no viable, continuous and efficient policies in the field. In such conditions, Moldova should invent nothing, but try and learn from the practices of other states whose governments in time applied a number of press subsidization methods, some of which continue to be valid, while others modify together with the technological and communicational changes. The conclusions were incorporated in a study that was presented by the Independent Press Association (API) on June 19.
In a news conference at IPN, study author Aneta Gonta, media expert, said the decision to subsidize the press was based on three key elements: the financial crisis that struck the newspapers after World War II; the stiff competition of TV channels that threaten the existence of the press, especially the local one, and concentration of media ownership that is a serious challenge to media diversity and pluralism, which are vital for the press that develops on a free market of ideas and for democracy.
The expert noted that the governments of the European countries applied a series of press subsidization models, such as preferential VAT rates, preferential tariffs for postal and railway distribution services and favorable telecommunications tariffs. Other measures included tax reductions for investments and different types of tax concessions. Some of the states subsidized the price of newspaper paper, which is a significant production cost. Currently, only two EU member states do not provide VAT exemptions for the press – Bulgaria and Slovakia. France, which has a system of direct subsidies for the press, also applies the lowest VAT in this sector in the EU, of 2.1%.
The study shows the Republic of Moldova, since it declared its independence, hasn’t introduced a system for subsidizing the press. The National Public Broadcaster “Teleradio-Moldova” and the Regions Public Broadcaster “Teleradio-Gagauzia” are the only media institutions financed with public funds. The Agency “Moldpres”, which was founded as a state body, but later switched over to self-financing, is supported by the state through the subscription system and by being offered precincts.
Aneta Gonta said that without the intervention of the state the print and electronic media in Moldova definitely risk reaching a situation when they will be unable to survive. The authorities should realize the risk of disappearance of the print media, especially the local and regional ones, and also the very important role played by the media in building a veritable and pluralistic democratic society.
The recommendation is to implement the concept of a press subsidization system that would contain the best European practices tested in time. “An eventual mechanism for subsidizing the press should be regulated so that it does not depend on the replacement of the political power and governments and should contain measurable, exact and sustainable criteria for providing assistance,” said the study author.
API executive director Petru Macovei said the politicians should know these practices as the fact that the mass media in general and the print media as the component part of the media system are the pillars of democracy and should be more diverse is not realized in Moldova. The diversity and pluralism should be supported regardless of the political color of the governments existing in a country or the sympathies and antipathies of the journalists, editors and others at a certain moment. The study, which is a novelty, will be sent to decision makers and the members of the working group that was constituted in 2017 to amend the legislation on the mass media and is to propose amendments to the legislation by the end of the current parliamentary session.
The study “Investments in media pluralism. Practices for the support and public subsidizing of media development” was carried out with the financial assistance of the U.S. Embassy in Moldova.
