The 1+1 Media group calls on the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and parliamentary factions to complete the reform of legislation in the field of media and adopt a new law "On Media". In its statement, the media holding gives arguments why it is extremely important to do this in the near future.

At 1+1 Media believe that the new law "On Media" will allow updating the current law "On Television and Radio Broadcasting", which has not been updated for a long time. The statement also emphasizes that experts from various organizations worked on the norms of the new law.

In addition, the document emphasizes that the law "On Media" is part of Ukraine’s European integration and decisive for the European future of millions of Ukrainians. The new law will help to ensure the defense capability of the country and maintain the information front with dignity.

The full text of the 1+1 media statement:

1+1 Media Group appeals to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and parliamentary factions with a request to complete the reform of legislation in the field of media and to adopt a new Law of Ukraine "On Media". Below we present the arguments why it is extremely important to do this in the near future and not succumb to manipulative statements and blocking of the process by representatives of the Fatherland, European Solidarity, and Voice factions.

Firstly, the current Law of Ukraine "On Television and Radio Broadcasting" has not been updated for 16 years, at a time when the industry is rapidly developing, adapting to new realities and challenges. In connection with the development of the online environment and the emergence of new methods and tools of communication with the audience, the Law does not correspond to the level of technological development of Ukrainian media. Taking this into account, over the past three years the draft law has been revised by a working group consisting of representatives of the media industry, the regulator, and public organizations with the systematic support of international experts. All participants in the process reached a consensus on the final text and are ready to recommend it.

Secondly, the Law of Ukraine "On Media" is European integration and decisive for the European future of millions of Ukrainians. Thus, after granting Ukraine the status of a candidate state for EU accession on June 23, 2022, Ukraine must first implement 7 recommendations of the European Commission, among which is the adoption of a comprehensive law on media. Moreover, according to the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU, signed back in 2014, Ukraine has a long-term obligation to update the legislation in the field of audiovisual media services in accordance with the requirements of the relevant directive. The law was adopted in the first reading only in August 2022, after three years from the period initially determined by the Association Agreement. Therefore, the adoption of the draft law in December 2022 should put an end to all the processes that hindered the development of this case.

Thirdly, the challenges caused by the Russian Federation's full-scale war against Ukraine are an important driver of changes that involve countering large amounts of disinformation, refuting Russian fakes, and fighting propaganda. In this case, the task of the media is to help in the country's defense capability and maintain the information front with dignity. And the new Law contributes to this.

Fourthly, the bill on media is relevant for current realities. It systematically changes the approach to media space regulation. In particular, it changes the media licensing and registration system, introduces regulatory prescriptions as a preventive response measure, and streamlines the system of sanctions, introduces a new phenomenon for the media space - the system of co-regulation, strengthens the functionality and independence of the regulator - the National Council of Ukraine on Television and Radio Broadcasting. It is important that the new Law proposes regulation of the activity of the regulator and the media during aggression, provides a definition of the "aggressor state", defines the content of information related to armed aggression, which subjects in the field of audiovisual, print and online media are prohibited spread, contains restrictions on the activities of subjects in the field of media during armed aggression and prohibits the activities of media services of the occupying state.

Accordingly, we believe that the adoption of the Law of Ukraine "On Media" is an important step on the way to our European future, as well as a necessary tool for creating a consistent, comprehensive legal framework that will lead to effective regulation of Ukraine's media environment and ensure proper protection of our information space.

We call on parliamentary factions and groups to stop attempts to change or destroy the balanced regulation of the media market, to take a responsible approach to the fulfillment of international obligations facing Ukraine, and to ensure the adoption of the draft law on media in the second reading and as a whole without significant changes to the wording of the draft law dated December 6, 2022 year, which was recommended by the Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy”.