Parliament approves law on media

The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, adopted the Law of Ukraine "On Media".

MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak (the Holos parliamentary faction) announced this on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.

According to him, 299 MPs voted for the document.

The law defines the legal basis for the activities of entities in the media sphere in Ukraine, as well as the principles of state management, regulation and supervision in this field.

As expected, it will create the necessary modern European conditions for the development of the media sphere, the realization of the right to freedom of expression, the right to receive versatile, reliable and operational information, to ensure pluralism of opinions and free dissemination of information, to protect the national interests of Ukraine and the rights of users of media services, regulation of activities in the field of media in accordance with the principles of transparency, fairness and impartiality, stimulation of a competitive environment, equality and independence of the media.

According to the document, the state regulatory body for media activity and the supervisory body in this area is the National Council of Television and Radio Broadcasting of Ukraine.

The law also specifies requirements for the transparency of ownership structure and media control.

As reported, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on August 30 adopted the draft law "On Media" (No.2693-d) at first reading.