Bulgaria

[BG] Media Regulatory Authority Publishes First Activity Report

IRIS 2002-6:1/35

Max Schoenthal

Berlin

On 27 May 2002, six months after it was first set up, the Bulgarian Council for Electronic Media (CEM) published its first activity report. The CEM is, in accordance with article 20 paragraph 1 of the Radio and Television Act, an independent authority which is responsible for regulating radio and television, in particular registering and licensing broadcasting companies and ensuring that such companies comply with the provisions of the Radio and Television Act.

The first six months of activity were above all characterised by Bulgaria's preparations for entry into the European Union. Bulgarian media law was structured in such a way as to be already harmonised with the most important principles of EU law in this field. The Bulgarian National Assembly, in addition, ratified the European Convention on Transfrontier Television of the Council of Europe and transposed it into Bulgarian law.

Moreover, a system for registering cable operators was established and the licensing of broadcasting companies in the various regions was carried out. The Council has provided associations and society as a whole with an insight into its work and has cultivated constant contact with the Media Committee of the National Assembly. Media companies are kept regularly informed about the activities of the authority and greater efforts have been made to achieve uniform professional standards in the media field.