The Information Hierarchy: Transformations in Moldova’s Media Space

Ruling party’s media policy has resulted in the formation of a rigid regulatory system encompassing both traditional media outlets and digital platforms

Semyon ALBU, RTA: The ruling party has long understood that control over the information space in modern politics is often even more effective than traditional administrative resources. As early as autumn 2021, literally within the first months after PAS came to power, a key supervisory body in the media sphere, the Audiovisual Coordinating Council, was effectively “captured”. This body became the main stronghold for narrowing freedom of speech in the country to the bounds of the “party’s general line”. The process accelerated particularly vigorously after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. Armed with the rhetoric of “defending the country from Russia’s hybrid aggression”, the authorities began blocking dozens of television channels and websites, both Russian and local. The outlets that managed to avoid outright blocking found themselves in a new informational reality, where they were endlessly punished with sanctions and serious fines for every “wrong”, according to PAS, word or opinion. Statistics clearly confirm this, showing a sharp increase in both the number and total amount of imposed penalties since 2022. At the same time, it is hardly surprising that media praising the current regime continue to thrive and prosper. The ruling party has no intention of relinquishing control over the Audiovisual Council even now. In a recent parliamentary vote, the PAS faction refused to remove party oversight of the body, despite the opposition’s proposal in line with the recommendations of the Council of Europe. Well, who would give up such a “cash cow”? Especially since it still has plenty of work ahead. Besides simply banning Russian media, the authorities aim to reduce the overall volume of Russian-language content in Moldova’s media landscape. This effort is, of course, nothing more than a continuation of the regime’s deliberate policy to sever all ties with the former “metropole” – economic, energy, cultural, and more broadly, civilizational. As we now know, PAS is currently engaged in a comprehensive reshaping of historical memory and identity, with new narratives portraying Russia exclusively as an “occupying state” that has torn Moldova away from its European home. The approach will draw on the experiences of Poland and the Baltic states, which are well-versed in anti-Russian rhetoric. But that is a topic for another article. So far, it can be said that whereas previously certain films and programs were banned allegedly for militaristic content – including even old Soviet movies about the Great Patriotic War – now Russian-language channels are being systematically removed from Moldova’s broadcast. In January, the country’s largest cable operators reported the cessation of dozens of Russian channels and the removal of Russian audio tracks from several others. This included children’s channels, health-related channels, and similar content. In other words, areas where finding political messaging would be difficult. The freed-up slots were filled with Romanian channels and even a French channel, which is broadcast without subtitles. It seems nonsensical! Could a French-language channel, understood by less than one percent of the population, really become more popular than Russian-language channels? Yet the explanation for this phenomenon is quite simple. It all comes down to the infamous Audiovisual Council, which introduced a new broadcasting formula in Moldova: cable operators are now required to allocate half of their airtime to Romanian-language content, and these channels must occupy the top positions in the lineup. The head of the Audiovisual Council, Liliana Vitu, the regime’s loyal lapdog, did not hesitate to complain on one broadcast that operators had tried to sabotage the decision. Instead of removing Russian-language channels as the authorities intended, they had begun adding new Romanian-language channels to reach the 50% quota. But, as we can see, in the end the authorities managed to force operators to follow their initial plan. Having more or less completed the media purge, PAS is moving on to the next stage – control over the online space. Here we see a truly remarkable initiative: the introduction of “trusted informants” who will identify “illegal” video content and “report” it to the platform administrators where it is hosted. Yes, that’s right. in our democratic, European-integrated country, a legalized system of snitching is about to appear! Moreover, not just anyone can become a “trusted informant”, if you catch my drift. Ordinary citizens can safely ignore this. According to the regulations, this “honorable” status is available only to legal entities with the skills to “professionally, objectively, and independently identify and report illegal content on video platforms”. And you’ve probably already guessed who will certify these authentic organizations, as Maia Sandu might put it, of course, the Audiovisual Council. So, the ruling regime has this entirely under control. It is already clear how this will work. The Vitu-led department’s certified “informants” will begin monitoring the network for any content deemed harmful to PAS and its policies, after which they will submit reports to the platform’s administration where the “disinformation” was found. The platform, in turn, will be obliged to review the informant’s complaint within a set timeframe and with priority; failure to do so will result in “penalty” consequences. To ensure the system functions effectively, the authorities promise to adopt a separate regulatory act by October this year, which will govern the activities of social networks. A specialized structure may even be created for this purpose – because apparently, more bureaucracy is needed! Very soon, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram in our country will be regulated according to the EU model, where the Digital Services Act is already in effect that, by the way, has faced sharp criticism for infringing on freedom of speech. In short, under the slogans of fighting disinformation and strengthening information security, a strict regulatory system is being formed in our country, covering not only traditional media but also digital platforms. And we all understand that this is being done by no means for the noble purpose of protecting the population from “disinformation” – but solely to preserve the rule of the current “yellow” regime.