Public Television Company to Gain Advertising Broadcasting Rights

The government today approved a legislative initiative to amend the Law on Television and Radio, granting the Public Television Company the right to broadcast advertisements. According to the justification for the draft law, granting advertising rights to the Public Television Company is in the public interest and aims to facilitate the proper implementation of its constitutional mission, which is to ensure the diversity of informational, educational, cultural, and entertainment programs.

As a result, the Public Television Company will have the opportunity to supplement its revenue sources and direct funds received from advertising towards addressing technical equipment needs, improving the broadcasting network, increasing the accessibility of produced television content, creating new and more engaging television projects, and implementing important ideas, thereby preventing talent drain, among other benefits.

The draft proposes to allow the Public Television Company to broadcast advertisements for up to 5 minutes during one hour of airtime. Additionally, the Public Television Company retains the right to publish brief information about sponsors during the broadcasting of cultural, educational, scientific, and sports programs.

It is expected that the limitation on broadcasting advertising for up to 5 minutes per airtime hour will not include instances of mentioning sponsors of sponsored television programs. In all cases, the publication of information regarding sponsors should not exceed 2.5% of the total duration of the program.

Relations related to the broadcasting of social advertisements have also been regulated. Specifically, social advertisements may be broadcast on a paid or unpaid basis, depending on airtime.

The government has sent the draft to the National Assembly.