Geneva, 6 December 2010 – The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the association of Europe’s public service broadcasters, today urged Romanian parliamentarians to withdraw or resist a “dangerous” proposal to abolish the country’s TV licence fee.
In a letter to members of both houses of Romania’s Parliament, EBU Director General Ingrid Deltenre said it was quite evident that proposals from the country’s opposition Social Democratic Party and Conservative Party for abolition of the fee – at less than €1 per month one of the lowest in Europe – would make it impossible for TVR to carry out its role.
“Economic crisis must not be used to undermine TVR's ability to fulfil its missions, according to European standards, to provide critical political and economic coverage, pluralistic information, and programmes that address issues of relevance to all citizens in a diverse society,” Ms Deltenre wrote. “Indeed, public service media are more important than ever when times are hard.”
Ms Deltenre recalled repeated statements by the European institutions that sustainably-funded public service broadcasters are vital to European societies and democracy. She also referred to a report adopted by the European Parliament on 25 November which reminded Member States of their commitment to European standards and of the need for public service media to have proportionate and stable funding. “In this context I do trust that, as responsible Parliamentarians, you will either withdraw or resist this dangerous initiative,” she said.
Based in Geneva, the EBU serves 86 national media organizations from 56 countries in and around Europe. Services to Members include legal advice, technical standardization and co-production.  The Union’s Eurovision and Euroradio networks deliver news, sports, events and music to EBU Members and other media organizations. More information: www.ebu.ch

full text of Ms Deltenre’s letter