Bill for media transparency
A new bill aimed at enhancing transparency and publicity in print and electronic media was presented on Wednesday to the cabinet by deputy minister and government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis.
The bill allows media companies to register in official registries, with certain requirements for transparency, organization and staffing. While registration is not mandatory for operation, it is necessary for receiving any state funding or advertising.
Over the past two years, 510 print media and 819 online media applications were submitted, with 575 approved. The bill also mandates signed articles from all journalists working for registered media outlets, aiming to protect labor rights and combat misinformation.
Additionally, stricter rules are being introduced to eliminate “ghost” newspapers, and random inspections will now be carried out on 15% of applications.
