The Council for Electronic Media announced on Thursday that it finds it unacceptable for high-ranking representatives of the executive branch to pit the two public media providers against each other. This regulatory position directly responds to public statements made by Deputy Prime Minister Ivo Hristov during an interview with BNT, where he asserted that oligarchy has captured Bulgarian media.
Deputy Prime Minister Criticizes BNR While Praising BNT
During his appearance on BNT, Deputy Prime Minister Ivo Hristov discussed the state of the domestic media landscape. “BNT is one of the last places that отстояват и съхраняват някакви принципи, трудно ми е да кажа същото за Българското национално радио,” the deputy prime minister stated, without explaining his position further. He also maintained that in the past, all authorities bought media comfort using state media packages and European funds, while oligarchs now take over media outlets.
Furthermore, the deputy prime minister acknowledged that communication within the government of Rumen Radev is not good. He added that given the known owners of domestic outlets, referred to as “the media of the oligarchy,” changing the daily interpretation of governing policies remains difficult.
Regulatory Defense of Public Broadcasting Standards
In response to these remarks, the Council for Electronic Media issued a formal defense of the national radio broadcaster. According to the regulator, independent analyses rank the Bulgarian National Radio first in public trust and establish it as the informational leader in the radio airwaves. The agency stated that BNR reaches a massive audience through digital channels, making it a highly recognizable and preferred news source.
Did You Know? The Bulgarian National Radio is represented at the highest level in the European Broadcasting Union, which the regulatory authority cites as a clear testament to the high professionalism of its staff.
The regulatory position notes that BNR engages with numerous significant public causes and maintains clearly written editorial standards that guarantee journalistic independence. Similar public assessments apply to the Bulgarian National Television, which also ranks among the leaders in public trust. The regulatory body emphasized that the European Media Freedom Act explicitly provides for strengthening the independence of public media due to their vital role in the democratic functioning of society.
What May Happen Next
As discussions regarding media ownership and government communication continue, several developments could unfold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Council for Electronic Media issue its statement?
The Council for Electronic Media released its position after finding it unacceptable for high-ranking executive branch officials to pit the two public media outlets against each other following statements by Deputy Prime Minister Ivo Hristov.
What did Deputy Prime Minister Ivo Hristov say about BNR and BNT?
He stated that BNT is one of the last places that stands up for and preserves some principles, while noting it is hard for him to say the same for the Bulgarian National Radio, and claimed that oligarchs have taken over domestic media.
How does the regulatory agency evaluate the Bulgarian National Radio?
According to the Council for Electronic Media, BNR ranks first in public trust according to independent analyses, leads the radio airwaves, maintains a large digital audience, and participates at the highest level in the European Broadcasting Union.
How do you view the role of public broadcasters in maintaining editorial independence during political disputes?