The national programs on TV channels and radio stations must represent at least 30% of the broadcast volume from today, April 1. At least half of these programs will be broadcast during prime time in the official language. The adverts, promos and teleshopping will not be taken into account when determining the 30% share. The provision is contained in a decision of the Broadcasting Coordination Council (BCC) that came into force today.

BCC member Dinu Ciocan has told IPN that the broadcasters must daily broadcast about 8 hours of national programs if they work round the clock. Four hours of these will be allotted for programs in the official language. On TV channels, they will be broadcast between 06.00 and 09.00, and between 19.00 and 23.00, while on radio stations between 06.00 and 13.00, and between 17.00 and 20.00.

The broadcasting authority launched a campaign to monitor the broadcasters. If the new norms are not respected, the BCC will impose punishments – public warning, minimum fine, maximum fine, ban on broadcasting, and then suspension and withdrawal of the broadcast license.

In Moldova there are 48 TV channels, 38 of which broadcast through ether, while 10 through cable, and 58 radio stations. The BCC decision is aimed at protecting the linguistic and national cultural patrimony.