Questionable Practices Have No Soul

Michael Hedges August 5, 2013 - Follow on Twitter

Allegations of corruption are stock-in-trade for media outlets. Ferreting out errant politicians and sleazy celebrities attracts readers, capturing them in their nastiness draws viewers. Much of the drama stretches the idea of journalism, particularly when the tables are turned.

Officers and managers at Romania’s Antena TV Group and its related holding companies are implicated in a scheme threatening another company, RCS & RDS Communications, with revealing terrible things under the guise of journalistic activity that was, in reality, a shake-down. According to the National Anti-corruption Directorate (DNA), an announcement ran on Antena 3, owned by Antena TV Group, teasing the public about forthcoming disclosures of corruption in the RCS & RDS deal for football rights. Antena TV Group is owned by Intact Media, a major broadcaster and publisher, which is controlled by the colorful businessman and politician Dan Voiculescu. RCS & RDS Communications is the biggest cable and satellite TV operator in Romania and a major regional telecom company.

The DNA extended, last week, a ban on foreign travel for Antena TV Group director general Sorin Alexandrescu as part of the continuing blackmail investigation. Transcripts of a conversation between Mr. Alexandrescu and RCS & RDS Romania director general Ioan Bendei, were introduced as evidence, reported by HotNews.ro (August 1), reveal a threatening tone from Mr. Alexandrescu: “If it comes out, believe me when I say, you are (expletive).” Clearly ruffled, Mr. Bendei begs: “Have a bit of soul. Put yourself in my situation. I have two kids.”

Taking this and other evidence, the DNA charged that Mr. Alexandrescu “compelled” Mr. Bendei to sign a contract “imposed by the defendant, under the threat…to lay bare the facts alleging compromise and, to this end, a journalistic investigation will be conducted.” Mr. Alexandrescu wanted €4 million a year for five years in return for a “promise” not to disclose details of a right-fee contract between RCS & RDS and the Romanian Professional Football League, said prosecutors, reported by Evenimentul zilei (August 1).

Not taking the charges sitting down, Intact Media published on the Antena 3 website “details” of the alleged corruption, which it said were the result of a “journalistic investigation” and vetted by a law firm, reported Pagina da Media (August 1).

Sides have been quickly drawn; plain old corruption versus journalistic integrity or one political alliance against another. Corruption in Romania is endemic, said a European Commission report last year. “Political challenges to judicial decisions, the undermining of the constitutional court, the overturning of established procedures and the removal of key checks and balances have called into question the government's commitment to respect the rule of law,” it said. “The Commission is in particular extremely concerned by the indications of manipulations and pressure which affect institutions, members of the judiciary, and eventually have a serious impact on society as a whole.”

”Audiovisual law regulates in detail the obligations of television,” said Freedom House Romania in a statement (August 2), ”because they have a major impact on public opinion and are licensed by the Romanian state. Antena 3 must not be above the law.” Freedom House Romania is associated with the US-based press freedom and free-market advocate Freedom House. The group also accused Antena 3 of exerting “pressure on the judiciary” and Romanian media National Audiovisual Council (CNA) of “passivity.”

On the opposite shore, Romanian Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Norica Nicolai appealed to EC Justice Commissioner Vivaine Reding to “act on the threats to media freedom in the country,” is a statement (August 2). Mrs. Nicolai is an opponent of President Traian Basescu, who once rejected her nomination as Justice Minister. The DNA shouldn’t be investigating Antena 3 and its related executives because they were “simply doing their job” and it is “sheer intimidation.”

Mr.Voiculescu has called for a referendum to remove, once again, President Basescu from office. As a senator, Mr. Voiculescu led a successful parliamentary motion in 2007 to remove Mr. Basescu from office. Back in office, President Basescu has referred to Mr. Voiculescu as a “media mogul,” in that pejorative sense, for pursuing political goals through his media outlets.

See also in ftm Knowledge

Media in Romania and Moldova

The profile of Romania's media scene is complicated. Changes take place often as multi-national media houses exit and "colorful" local owners take over. Neighboring Moldova faces its own set of challenges. This ftm Knowledge file details the rough road to sustainable media. Includes updated Resources. 60 pages PDF (February 2014)

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