Publicat pe 04/10/2023

Bucharest, October 4, 2023: The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania (CCIR) expresses its solidarity with the journalists of the publications Gazeta Sporturilor and Libertatea, signatories of the statement that reveals the repeated interference of the management of the Ringier group in the editorial policy of the two publications, interference that culminated with the dismissal of the chief editor of the Gazeta Sporturilor, Mr. Cătălin Țepelin.

As the main promoter of a free business environment, CCIR appreciates the investments made by the Ringier in Romania, investments that have generated added value to the Romanian economy through the appearance of quality editorial products, but also through the significant number of jobs that have been created. In order to support and develop quality media in Romania, we want as many such investments as possible, either from companies with Romanian capital or from companies with foreign capital.

At the same time, however, we draw attention to the fact that interferences of an economic nature in the editorial activity of any publication are as dangerous as those of a political nature. In this way, Romania risks returning to the level of the 90s, when the political influence in the mass media was a recognized phenomenon.

“CCIR considers that interference of any kind in the editorial policy of a press organ represents a threat to its independence and, at the same time, to freedom of expression. A free and independent press is fundamental to the functioning of both a healthy democracy and a healthy economy. We stand with the journalists from Libertatea and Gazeta Sporturilor for the way they fight against any interference in editorial policy, thus defending the principles of quality journalism. Defending editorial independence is essential to maintaining quality journalism and correctly informing the public. It is very important that all parties involved act actively to promote and protect this fundamental principle of democracy. Although it is not desirable that such things happen again, I assure you that the CCIR will also in the future stand in solidarity with any other media representative who finds himself in a similar situation”, said the president of the CCIR, Mr. Mihai Daraban.