Media Council that meets international standards, mass media self-regulation mechanism — Legislative reforms in the field of mass media discussed with delegation of the Venice Commission

Director of the "Centre for Legislation Development and Legal Research" Foundation of the Ministry of Justice Tigran Dadunts received the delegation of the Venice Commission. During the meeting, Tigran Dadunts expressed gratitude to the Council of Europe for the expert support that the Council of Europe is providing within the scope of reforms in the field of mass media. First, Tigran Dadunts presented the background and talked about the need to develop a legislative package aimed at introducing a mechanism for self-regulation of mass media, noting that the package has been developed in accordance with the Programme of the Government within the scope of a Memorandum of Understanding signed with representatives of the media sector, with the support of international partners. Afterwards, the parties discussed the key regulations and innovations stipulated in the draft. The proposed model for media self-regulation was touched upon, questions on what the media is in the modern world, what status mass media self-regulation bodies should have, the to-be-established Media Council, the privileges that the mass media meeting ethical standards shall have, were considered. The members of the delegation expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Justice for the established and effective co-operation, as well as emphasised the attention that the Ministry pays to the opinions submitted by the Venice Commission. On 15 July 2024, the Ministry of Justice submitted to the Venice Commission draft laws aimed at introducing mechanisms for self-regulation of the mass media, requesting that the Venice Commission provide an advisory opinion on the package. It is anticipated to receive the opinion of the Commission in October of this year. Expert of the Directorate General of Democracy and Human Dignity Andrei Richter, member of the Venice Commission from Italy Cesare Pinelli and lawyer at the Venice Commission Secretariat Vahe Demirchyan were attending the meeting.

19/09/2024

Director of the "Centre for Legislation Development and Legal Research" Foundation of the Ministry of Justice Tigran Dadunts received the delegation of the Venice Commission. During the meeting, Tigran Dadunts expressed gratitude to the Council of Europe for the expert support that the Council of Europe is providing within the scope of reforms in the field of mass media. First, Tigran Dadunts presented the background and talked about the need to develop a legislative package aimed at introducing a mechanism for self-regulation of mass media, noting that the package has been developed in accordance with the Programme of the Government within the scope of a Memorandum of Understanding signed with representatives of the media sector, with the support of international partners. Afterwards, the parties discussed the key regulations and innovations stipulated in the draft. The proposed model for media self-regulation was touched upon, questions on what the media is in the modern world, what status mass media self-regulation bodies should have, the to-be-established Media Council, the privileges that the mass media meeting ethical standards shall have, were considered. The members of the delegation expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Justice for the established and effective co-operation, as well as emphasised the attention that the Ministry pays to the opinions submitted by the Venice Commission. On 15 July 2024, the Ministry of Justice submitted to the Venice Commission draft laws aimed at introducing mechanisms for self-regulation of the mass media, requesting that the Venice Commission provide an advisory opinion on the package. It is anticipated to receive the opinion of the Commission in October of this year. Expert of the Directorate General of Democracy and Human Dignity Andrei Richter, member of the Venice Commission from Italy Cesare Pinelli and lawyer at the Venice Commission Secretariat Vahe Demirchyan were attending the meeting.