Access to information vs information security in the hybrid war (the case of suspending the activity of six TV channels in the Republic of Moldova) [Articol]

Abstract

On December 16, 2022, the Commission for Emergency Situations of the Republic of Moldova (CESRM) suspended on the period of the state of emergency the broadcasting license for the following TV channels: First in Moldova and Accent TV – both belong to the service provider “TELESISTEM TV” LLC; Orhei TV and TV6 – “MEDIA RESURSE” LLC; RTR Moldova – “TV - Communications Group” LTD; NTV Moldova – PP “Exclusive Media” LTD. CESRM took an unprecedented decision in the short history of the free and independent media in Moldova, a state for which democratic values are not only declared priorities. In a single decision, six sources of information to the population were suspended. Immediate reactions followed in the political environment, but also in the public space. In the hybrid war triggered by Russia on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, the informational, media component holds an important segment, where the forces are focused on the direction of the psychological processing of the population, where certain media contingents are also mobilized. In such circumstances, CESRM has taken preventive actions to protect the information environment, in order to ensure stability and tranquillity in society.