Today, on December 27, 2018, Audiovisual Media Authority (AMA) and the Electronic and Postal Communications Authority (EPCA) organized the third discussion meeting about amendments to the Law No. 97/2013 “On Audiovisual Media in the Republic of Albania”, as amended, and the Law No. 9918, dated 19.5.2008, “On Electronic Communications in the Republic of Albania”, as amended.
Representatives of electronic media, senior managers and lawyers of the Ministry of Justice and other public institutions, representatives of international organizations, and of associations focusing on the media were invited at this meeting.
The third meeting was of a legal nature. AMA’s Chairman, Mr. Gentian Sala, made a summary of the both previous round tables and the discussions held about both draft laws. On turn, AMA’s Legal and Licensing Director made an introduction of the legal provisions and their content. The Deputy Minister of Justice, Mrs. Teuta Vodo stressed that they are bound and determined to improve the current legal framework on online media. During the meeting, it was emphasized that the amendments are in full harmony with the most recent European Union’s Audiovisual Media Services Directive.
The present journalists and media representatives were, in principle, contrary to the approval of the proposed amendments by laying the emphasis on the fact that they infringe the freedom of media. The subjects of discussion were various, such as self-regulation, striking of fake news through media education, disproportionate fines, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The minutes kept during the meeting will be sent to the attendees the next day by e-mail.
In the end of the meeting, it was decided to send also in official form the proposals put forward by the participants, during the third meeting.
AMA, in the capacity of the regulatory body in the field of audiovisual media, and taking into considering that the amendments proposed will have a significant impact on the activity of operators, sent on December 19, the two cited draft laws to the Council of Europe Office in Tirana for opinion, whereas on December 24, 2018, it sent them to the European Union Delegation in Tirana.
In the coming days, AMA will soon announce the date of upcoming meeting on these two draft laws.
Audiovisual Media Authority
27.12.2018
