Romania

[RO] New Audiovisual Content Code

IRIS 2006-4:1/33

Mariana Stoican

Journalist, Bucharest

At the beginning of March 2005, the Consiliul Naţional al Audiovizualului (the Romanian regulatory body for electronic media - CNA ) adopted a new, partly amended code ( Codul de reglementare al Consiliului Naţional al Audiovizualului ) summarising all the important legal provisions on audiovisual content.

The code was drawn up following consultations with broadcasters' representatives and the public. With a view to Romania's accession to the EU, it is designed to bring the country's legislation into line with existing EU regulations. The 160 articles of the code are divided into chapters regulating the protection of minors, the protection of human dignity and personal image rights, the right to reply and correction, the safeguarding of correct information and pluralism, responsibilities with regard to culture, game shows, and conditions for advertising, sponsorship and teleshopping. In particular, the code's provisions on the protection of minors have been substantially amended. In future, broadcasters will not be allowed to broadcast interviews with children under 14, nor their statements or reports on dramatic family events, apart from statements provided to a court. This measure is designed to prevent journalists from interviewing child victims. Children under 14 may only participate in a broadcast programme with the written consent of a parent or legal guardian.

Meanwhile, television programmes that were previously meant only for viewers aged 16 or over will in future be classified as suitable for those aged 15 or over. Under another provision, programmes that depict methods of suicide, describe details of criminal acts or focus on exorcism, occultism or paranormal phenomena may not be broadcast between 6 am and 10 pm. Images filmed using a hidden camera must not cause annoyance or harm to the persons concerned, nor put them in degrading or risky situations.

The new code is expected to enter into force in March 2006, when it is due to be published in the Romanian Official Gazette.