2024 Rule of Law Report - Country Chapter Romania

The Right to Information and freedom of expression are enshrined in the Romanian Constitution. The Law on Free Access to Information of Public Interest regulates access to information in Romania. The Audiovisual Law governs audiovisual media services. The National Audiovisual Council (CNA) is the only regulatory body for audiovisual media services; it monitors editorial content and imposes fines and injunctions related to infringement of correct information and pluralism. 

Despite media ownership information being publicly available, it remains difficult to determine the ultimate owners of media companies beyond the audiovisual sector. The current regulation only requires basic information about audiovisual license holders. Thus, transparency remains an issue. The Media Pluralism Monitor indicates a high risk (85%) to media plurality.

The 2023 Rule of Law Report recommended strengthening rules and mechanisms dealing with editorial autonomy and governance of public service media. A bill from 2021 to reform public broadcasting and radio laws is still under consideration in the parliament signifying that no progress has been made. No significant improvements have been made to the legal framework on access to information. The appointment and dismissal of the Board of Directors of the public service broadcaster is politically influenced. 

Political parties have increased their financing of private media for political advertisement. The Audiovisual Law prohibits the sponsorship of news and current affairs programs, and the content regulation code bans political advertising outside of election periods. However, the penalties imposed by the CNA regarding this matter are to be insufficient.  There are commercial pressures from media owners which negatively impact journalist’s work. Such pressures are also visible at the local level where journalists fear loss of jobs if they do not adhere to the media owners’ directives.