The Saeima Commission on Human Rights and Public Affairs today supported the proposal of MP Jānis Zariņš (JV) for amendments to the Electronic Media Law, which provides for a gradual transition to broadcasting radio programs exclusively in the state language during the second reading.
The Latvian Association of Broadcasting Organizations opposes this initiative.
Zariņš's proposal stipulates that a broadcasting license will be issued only for broadcasting in the state language, and the radio program of the electronic media must be in Latvian. It is also proposed to translate into the state language programs or fragments of programs that are in foreign languages.
Exceptions are provided for language learning programs, interactive live broadcasts in which communication between participants of the program and listeners takes place, musical works, as well as international joint programs that are broadcast live.
According to the proposal, the norm of issuing licenses only for broadcasting in the state language will come into effect on July 21, 2033, and the requirement for conducting radio programs in Latvian will take effect on January 21, 2034.
Electronic media, whose licenses specify another language of broadcasting, must apply to the National Council for Electronic Media (NEPLP) by November 21, 2033, to request a license change and replace the program language with the state language. If such an application is not submitted, NEPLP will decide to revoke licenses for broadcasting in foreign languages starting January 21, 2034.
NEPLP Deputy Chair Ieva Kalderauska stated that the council generally supports these proposals and considers it reasonable to broadcast exclusively in the state language. According to her, this will strengthen the position of the Latvian language in the public space.
Some industry representatives opposed this model. They pointed out that such regulation could negatively impact the revenues of radio stations and that it is necessary to assess whether the goals of strengthening the state language can be achieved through less restrictive means. A representative of the Latvian Association of Broadcasters urged not to support government intervention in the market through such prohibitions.
Nevertheless, the commission unanimously supported Zariņš's proposal. The commission did not complete the consideration of other amendments due to a lack of quorum.
