Russian Federation

[RU] Broadcasting Act Given First Reading

IRIS 1998-2:1/17

Theodor D. Kravchenko

Moscow Media Law and Policy Centre

Until now Russia has had no legislation regulating the problems of television and radio broadcasting. The only legislation in the field - the Mass Media Act - is mainly directed at the press.

After six years' work by specialists, a new (eighth) variation of the Bill on Television on Radio Broadcasting was prepared in August 1997. The Duma (Parliament) gave the Bill its first reading on 3 September 1997; its second reading is scheduled for March 1998. The many amendments have been tabled by the Federal President, the Federal Government, Deputies and others. The Duma's Committee on Information Policy and Communication will be making corrections to the text before its second reading.

The Bill currently comprises eight sections: 1. General points; 2. Regulation of television and radio broadcasting; 3. Types of broadcaster; 4. Commercial and State regulatory bodies; 5. Licensing; 6. Television and radio broadcasting without a licence; 7. Responsibility for infringement of legislation; 8. Final points.

The most important principles of the Bill are as follows:

- Three types of broadcaster are defined: State, commercial and private.

- A federal committee for television and radio broadcasting is to be set up as a licensing body.

- Licences would be granted upon instructions from the Federal Government.

- Licences for cable systems would be granted for 12 years; for television broadcasting for 6 years; for radio for 5 years.

- No foreigner would be allowed to hold a licence. No legal entity with a foreign administration would be allowed to hold a licence.