October 20, 2016 UPDATE 2
The EBU express its utmost concern about the proposal to abolish the radio and television fee.
Radio România, 21.10.2016, 00:00
Ingrid Deltenre, the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) Director General, expresses in a letter sent to the Romania authorities on Thusrday the utmost concern of the organization about the proposal to abolish the radio and television fee as part of a broader proposal to reduce charges for Romanian citizens ahead of the forthcoming elections.
Broadcasting fees and similar contributions by citizens are today not only the most stable and predictable, but also the most widespread and important source of funding for public service media in Europe. In 2015, broadcasting fees contributed two thirds of all income of public service media among the EBU membership, stated Ingrdi Deltenre.
The EBU responsible added that it is possible to make broadcasting fees transparent, adaptable, future-proof and socially acceptable. Such a system has the advantage that it establishes a direct link between the broadcaster and the public, making the broadcaster more accountable to the audience it serves. Even more importantly, it is a key element to safeguard the independence of public service media from political and economic powers. In contrast, direct funding from the State budget is often difficult to secure in times of austerity and exposes public broadcasters to political interference and pressure. As experience in other countries has shown, it is very difficult to introduce a broadcasting fee once is has been abolished, considered Deltenre.
We therefore appeal to you not to take such an irremediable step, which may destroy the system of public service broadcasting in Romania, declared the EBU Director General.
