Debate on local press freedom

If a network made up of local powers really wants to gag a provincial newspaper, there are no democratic ways of preventing it, particularly because of the weakness of the Romanian economy. This was one of the conclusions of a debate organised by the Romanian Press Club (CRP) together with representatives from the local press. Representatives of about 50 media companies from 27 counties met on Monday to discuss the consolidation of the local press. Although invited, the local authority representatives chose not to take part. “Through their absence the local authorities gave an answer. The important thing is to understand what that answer is,” stated Cristian Tudor Popescu, CRP chairman and debate moderator. Popescu, who is also Adevarul daily’s editor in chief, said such meetings and coverage of the problems the media is having are the best ways to help the local press. “There’s a lot of information and rumours about the local press, and many opinions about the lack of freedom of the local press in Romania. Tell us what terms you are on with the local authorities,” Popescu asked the journalists and directors of various publications attending the debate. Cosmin Pigui, director of Impact newspaper (Gorj) said the local press had been bought and that employer interests had crushed journalists’ interest in uncovering the truth. Another problem mentioned was economic in nature, as poverty is a serious issue faced by many publications. ZF