OSCE Representative welcomes law on transparency of media ownership in Ukraine as it comes into force

VIENNA, 1 October 2015 – A new law with the aim of ensuring transparency of media ownership in Ukraine was today welcomed by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović.

“Prevention of undue concentration of media ownership and full transparency of media regulation are important prerequisites of media pluralism and freedom of expression in a democratic state,” Mijatović said. “I trust that these legislative measures will be effectively implemented to foster diversity and editorial independence of all Ukrainian media outlets.”

On 10 September, President Petro Poroshenko signed the law “On Amendments to Several Laws of Ukraine on Ensuring the Transparency of Media Ownership and Implementing the Principles of State Policy in the Sphere of Television and Radio Broadcasting.” The new law came into effect on 1 October.

The amendments oblige broadcast companies and program service providers to disclose detailed information about their ownership structure and end beneficiaries. The law also bans business entities and individuals registered in the offshore economic zones to establish and own broadcast companies and program service providers.

Further, the amendments aim to enhance the transparency of the activities of the National Television and Radio Broadcasting Council as the sole licensing body and task it to announce detailed explanations of all licensing-related decisions.

The Representative said that her Office will monitor the implementation of the law and stands ready to offer expert advice.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.