Moldova's most popular independent TV station says the country's media authority is using "unfounded" arguments to refuse to extend its license into 2009.
ProTV, a Moldovan subsidiary of one of Romania's news channels, said the CCA media authority has accused it of failing to comply with Moldovan media standards by not broadcasting news bulletins for the deaf, airing too many commercials, and for refusing to stop rebroadcasting news originating in Romania.
CCA member Cornel Mihalache told RFE/RL's Moldovan Service that ProTV's license will not be automatically extended when it expires on December 23. But he said the station will be allowed to compete for a new license.
ProTV has lately been criticized by Moldova's ruling Communist Party for alleged bias toward the opposition and Romania.
Ties between Romania and Moldova are strained.
ProTV, a Moldovan subsidiary of one of Romania's news channels, said the CCA media authority has accused it of failing to comply with Moldovan media standards by not broadcasting news bulletins for the deaf, airing too many commercials, and for refusing to stop rebroadcasting news originating in Romania.
CCA member Cornel Mihalache told RFE/RL's Moldovan Service that ProTV's license will not be automatically extended when it expires on December 23. But he said the station will be allowed to compete for a new license.
ProTV has lately been criticized by Moldova's ruling Communist Party for alleged bias toward the opposition and Romania.
Ties between Romania and Moldova are strained.
