ACTIVITY REVIEW - The NATIONAL ELECTRONIC MASS MEDIA COUNCIL - European Platform of Regulatory ...
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T h e N AT I O N A L E L E C T R O N I C M A S S M E D I A C O U N C I L A C T I V I T Y R E V I E W
Contents
2 NEPLP activities 16 Summary of 28 New sector
in figures major events and strategy in
decisions development
3 The functions,
mission, activities 23 The new 30 Allocating and
of the Council composition controlling
of the Public the funding of
Advisory Council public media
Members of the
NEPLP for 2017
24 A new NEPLP 32 Contact
initiative - information
discussions of NEPLP
about the media
4 Dace Ķezbere
market
secretariat
employees
8 Ivars Āboliņš
10 Ieva Beitika
12 Gunta Līdaka
14 Patriks Grīva
NEPLP ACTIVITY REVIEW 2017 1
Statistics Functions, mission,
about NEPLP
activities in 2017
3
Number of tenders
announced for vacant radio
activities of the
Council
frequencies
The National Electronic Mass Media Council (NEPLP) is an independent, fully-
1
fledged autonomous institution representing the public interest in the field of
electronic mass media (EPL), monitors that their activities are in compliance
with the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia, the Law on Electronic Mass
15
media and other laws. The Council is a derived public person. The NEPLP is an
Number of tenders announced independent regulator in the context of EU Directive 2013/10/EU. The NEPLP
for expansion into available ensures programme policies in line with national interests, functions as the sector
radio frequencies regulator in accordance with the power conferred to it by the law and regulations,
1
exercises supervisory functions within the meaning of the Law on Information
Broadcasting Society Services, fulfils the functions of the shareholder and member meeting
authorisations issued participant of public broadcasting organizations - Latvijas Televīzija and Latvijas
Radio and ensures the development of the public service remit for public and
commercial media.
The mission of the NEPLP is to develop and supervise the electronic mass media
Number of tenders Number of administrative sanctions sector in Latvia, ensuring the EPL, a diversity of services and opinions in accordance
announced for on infringements found with the interests and needs of various groups, to facilitate competition in the
market and the creation, preservation and accessibility of important and high-
the preparation of
2
municipal news 15 fines, quality content.
7 warnings,
5 proceedings terminated NEPLP values
Rebroadcasting • Independence - we function as an independent regulator,
authorisations issued subject to laws and rights.
In 2017 the following were registered
(issued broadcast permission) and functioning in Latvia: • Professionalism -the performance of our duties is based
on knowledge, experience, evidence and research.
TV RADIO • Responsibility - for the sustainability, management and
resources of the information space in Latvia
2 public television
channels 6 public radio stations
• Openness - we are open to cooperation and ideas,
Amount of analysed 5 local television
channels 33 local radio stations
we cooperate with the industry, society, institutions,
broadcast hours international organizations and experts and we are open to
regional television
6665 22 channels 9 regional radio stations creative innovations and initiatives.
in television programmes national television
• Justice - we are fair in the application of laws, procedures,
5 channels 7 national radio stations
decisions and communication.
4858 cross-border television cross-border radio
in radio programmes 24 channels 1 station
2 NEPLP ACTIVITY REVIEW 2017 NEPLP ACTIVITY REVIEW 2017 3
think that the energetic start of activi- Many of our decisions were misunder-
ty by the new council has allowed us stood, interpreted differently, widely
to stabilize its reputation, and even discussed in the media. Therefore, the
though it later suffered from disputes reputation of the NEPLP, as an inde-
with some of the media under our pendent media supervisor, was greatly I still consider strengthening
responsibility, as a whole, the year damaged. This was a good lesson for
our reputation an important
allowed us to attain a new quality in the council as well, as it required us
the relationship of the NEPLP with the to more thoroughly reflect on how to
task, because the ability of
media sector and decision makers. I still explain our decisions to a team and to the NEPLP to represent the
consider strengthening our reputation society. However, I believe that all the interests of the media sector
an important task, because the ability steps we took were justified, and will (for example, fighting for
of the NEPLP to represent the interests benefit LR in the long term.
more funding, following
of the media industry (for example,
fighting for more funding, following I would like to highlight the allocation
new regulations and poorly
new regulations and poorly thought of additional funding to both public thought out amendments to
out amendments to laws relating to the media as one of the most significant the law relating to the media)
media) is directly dependent on how achievements of the NEPLP, with lasting is directly dependent on how
persuasive and trustworthy the voice of consequences in the long-term. There
persuasive and trustworthy
the NEPLP is. were difficult discussions with members
of the parliament, the government and
the voice of the NEPLP is.
One of the biggest challenges of the year the Ministry of Finance. Together with
were the complications at Latvijas Radio the Ministry of Culture, we were able
A Time for sowing
(LR), which, in the context of NEPLP to convince them to increase the base
responsibility (we have agreed on the responsibility, is not only an important budget of LR and Latvijas Televīzija
responsibilities for each member of the media (possessing the largest audience by 2.6 million euros, as well as receive
council). This period of changes allowed in Latvia) with a very important social additional funding for the salaries of
us to create a more efficient NEPLP and educational mission, but also a employees. In previous years action
Dace Ķezbere, Chairperson of the
secretariat model, which, as of last year, company whose shares are owned by grants were allotted within the frame-
NEPL Council
has been divided into two major areas the NEPLP. There have been no major work of a new policy initiative, for
of activity with a department for each issues with the content produced by example, for LR5-Pieci.lv activities,
2017 began with significant changes
one of them: one activity is the strate- LR, but it had been struggling with the creation of LTV analytical and children’s
for the National Electronic Mass Media
gic development and monitoring of business management dimension for programmes and to commercial media
Council (NEPLP) - four of the five coun-
cil members changed in February, and
the NEPLP; the other - communication quite a while. I still remember having for the production of municipality I would like to highlight
I, as the only person from the previous
and administrative management. I am long discussions in the old council news, but the inclusion of the action the allocation of additional
pleased that the management of each regarding the management of LR. grants in the base budget means that funding to both public media
composition (the Saeima appointed
of these activities has been under- Unfortunately no decisions were ever media can count on this money in the
me later), had to take responsibility for
taken by very strong professionals in
as one of the most significant
the continuity of the work of the NEPLP made. In the spring it was clear - if we long term. The widely criticized NEPLP
their fields - Uldis Lielpēters and Kalvis do not take radical measures, it will decision on LR5 as a platform for play-
achievements of the NEPLP,
during the transition period. In addi-
tion, several employees of the NEPLP
Gavars. Furthermore, the biggest differ- hurt the LR itself, as the previous Board ing and promoting music produced with lasting consequences in
secretariat had also chosen to under-
ence in today’s NEPLP is the united and members of LR did not even communi- in Latvia for youth audiences, must be the long-term.
friendly team, where everyone knows cate among themselves. This delayed viewed in the context of the allocation
take new professional challenges. So
their field of responsibility well and is the implementation of many import- of base funding for the public service
for a while we were left without expe-
open to helping their colleagues. The ant processes, it threatened the public remit.
rienced colleagues in both layers of the
current NEPLP is characterized well by service remit and the granting of fund-
council - the bureau and the council
our group photo - we do not divide ing. Examining the situation at LR and A very valuable initiative, which raises
itself. It was a considerable challenge
ourselves into workers and supervisors. negotiating with its management and the problems in the media sector and
for both myself and those secretariat
We all work together in the name of team, the council unanimously decided creates a feedback loop, are the public
colleagues that continued to work with
developing the media industry. that two of the three Board members discussions held by the NEPLP. Three
double the amount of work.
I remember how one of my goals, when of LR had to be relieved of their duties. discussions took place in 2017: about
I was taking over the management of Later we understood that the burden coverage of the municipal elections,
Fortunately, the new members of the
the NEPLP, was to strengthen its repu- of duties were also too great for the about advertising and product place-
council were motivated to start work-
tation. For too long the NEPLP’s name third Board member to bear, so the ment in electronic media and about the
ing at full capacity as soon as possible,
had been ravaged by the media, the entire management team of LR was quality of journalism in programmes for
and within a few months were able
Saeima and the Cabinet of Ministers. I replaced throughout the previous year. children and young people.
to master their respective areas of
4 NEPLP ACTIVITY REVIEW 2017 NEPLP ACTIVITY REVIEW 2017 5
I believe that this is a valuable format service remit development. The new
that should be developed, which regulatory framework directly affects
allows both parties - the media and the functions and tasks of the NEPLP,
their supervisor - to talk constructive- which need to be included in the indus- NEPLP
ly, analytically, without taking offense try strategy document. The National Electronic Mass Media Council
and, most importantly, identify prob-
I hope that the circumstances lems and think of better solutions for Looking back at 2017, it could be figura-
will be sufficiently favourable our future work. tively said that it was a time for sowing.
and our initiative will bear Several encouraging and valuable proj-
Chairperson of Council Member / Council Council Council
One of the major tasks of the council ects have been initiated - starting with
fruit for the entire society the Council Deputy Chairperson Member Member Member
is adopting a new electronic media the transformation of the council itself, of the Council
of Latvia, creating a more industry strategy. The NEPLP worked to public discussions, a new approach DACE ĶEZBERE IVARS ĀBOLIŅŠ GUNTA LĪDAKA IEVA BEITIKA PATRIKS GRĪVA
varied, higher quality, fit-for- on this document for essentially the to evaluating the public service remit
national-interests content entire previous year, including consult- and a sector-comprehensive strategy.
in the electronic media and ing with the industry and the strategy I hope that the circumstances will be
was ready at the beginning of 2018. We sufficiently favourable and our initia-
industry rules that facilitate
had hoped to also take into account tive will bear fruit for the entire society
development and are fair and the new version of the Audiovisual of Latvia, creating a more varied, higher Financier
Head of the Strategy Development Head of the Communication
and Monitoring Department and Administrative Department
understandable by all. Media Services Directive, but its adop- quality, fit-for-national-interests
tion has been delayed. Last year the content in the electronic media and ILZE RORBAHA ULDIS LIELPĒTERS KALVIS GAVARS
Parliament began debates on the new industry rules that facilitate develop-
Public Media Law, which would lay ment and are fair and understandable Accountant
down regulations on their manage- by all.
GUNTA APSE
ment, supervision, financing and public Head of the Bureau
Bureau administrator
information centre administrator
AGNESE BERGA AIJA KROLLE OUT-SOURCING
As of 2018 an additional EUR 2.6 million
has been allocated to the public media
base budget, which until now was an
action grant.
Additional funding was granted for:
• continuing the production of additional news and current Head of the Legal division Head of the Monitoring division
information broadcasts in Russian on radio programmes; GITA KEISTERE KRISTERS PĻEŠAKOVS
• educating the population and promoting civic awareness of
political, economic, cultural, legal, environmental, security and
social issues, ensuring their systematic coverage on Latvijas
Televīzija;
• objective, independent and thematically balanced news,
analysis and commentary on events in Latvia, the European
Legal advisor Senior expert Senior expert Expert
Union and the world on Latvijas Televīzija;
DITA CIEMIŅA ZIGMĀRS VALGAČS KĀRLIS LITAUNIEKS ASTRĪDA PORIĶE
• continuing the production of additional news and current
information broadcasts in Russian on Latvijas Televīzija;
• providing information, educational, cultural and entertainment
resources appropriate for children and young people on
Latvijas Televīzija;
• operation of Latvijas Radio 4 - Dome Square; Legal advisor Legal advisor
• operation of Latvijas Radio 5; SANDA IRBE IVETA PELŠE
• producing municipal news by commercial television.
6 NEPLP ACTIVITY REVIEW 2017 NEPLP ACTIVITY REVIEW 2017 7
budget of the LR in the history of the without requesting additional funds.
company. We will continue to make structural
LR has undergone and will continue changes by reorganizing the Sales and
to undergo significant changes. For Marketing, and Public Relations units,
the first time the LR budget has been redistributing functions respectively
planned based on different principles. and separating marketing from sales.
LR has undergone and
I.e., content will no longer be funded by In real life this will mean more effective
own resources (income from advertis- advertising sales and, consequently, will continue to undergo
ing), as funding is already provided for more money in the budget of the LR. significant changes. For the
by the public service remit. Therefore first time the LR budget
the company will finally have obtained Last year, the Code of Conduct and
has been planned based
resources for development and Ethics of the LR was renewed, merg-
modernisation. A fundamental change ing both documents into one, and on different principles. I.e.,
is the sorting out of the issues of coop- extending it to all employees of the content will no longer be
eration with third parties. Previously LR, not just journalists. The procedure funded by own resources
these issues were managed by LR for concluding royalty agreements was
also reviewed. LR5 has also experienced
(income from advertising), as
channel directors without supervision,
which created a very discriminatory considerable changes. As of 1 January funding is already provided for
attitude towards partners and raised the music section has a 65% quota for by the public service remit.
many questions about who is the music created in Latvia, which makes
biggest beneficiary from such a system LR5 a special platform for popularizing
- LR or someone else? music produced in Latvia. Seven new
programmes have also appeared on
At present, a transparent system has the station and includes the Latvian
been created, each such transaction is Music Top-list.
accounted for and, most importantly,
is takes place under equal principles. Among the goals set out for 2018 for
Extensive changes Which was why the problems had to
be resolved immediately, and one of
our first tasks was to change the lead-
ership of the LR. In 2017, the NEPLP
There is a minimum amount that can
be co-funded, thus eliminating the
absurd situation that some cooperation
partners could have access to exclu-
the Board of LR, the main task should
be to develop and submit to the NEPLP
a medium-term operational strategy
for a five-year period, including a long-
initiated in appointed a new Board for the LR: Una
Klapkalne, Mārīte Tukiša and Sanita
Dika-Bokmeldere (took up office later-
sive opportunities that are inaccessible
to others and to sponsor LR programs
for a mere 14.22 euros. As of 1 January,
term development and investment
plan, as well as identifying the resourc-
es needed for the implementation of
Latvijas Radio
at the beginning of 2018). Last contracts concluded by former board the plans and linking the plans with the
year we managed to stabilize member Sigita Roķe, were no longer principles of budget planning. Taking
the management of LR, and continued. The contracts had raised into account the conclusions and
this was a key prerequisite doubts and suspicions about the sale recommendations made earlier in the
Ivars Āboliņš, NEPL Council Member / for the further development of this of content in the programmes of the audit work of the LR, the LR manage-
Deputy Chairperson of the Council important Latvian media. LR. An institution created by the LR - ment has been instructed to take the
the exchange transaction commission necessary steps for the establishment
Since our first working day at the Changes in LR management were - could decide on a very wide range of a new LR framework and to imple-
National Electronic Media Council followed by several other activities. of issues, including finances, without ment it as of 1 January 2019.
(NEPLP), the development of Latvijas In the last months of 2017, carrying involving the Board. After reorganiz-
Radio (LR) became the most urgent out a task assigned by the NEPLP to ing it, a commission for cooperation During 2017 the communication
and acute issue for us. The leadership establish a fair and transparent remu- with partners has been created, which between the NEPLP and the LR was
of LR had not been able to cope with neration system, the leadership of the also includes a representative of the LR quite tense, because changes usually
its responsibilities for a long time; the LR worked intensively on a new remu- Board. bring with them emotions, and we did
situation was made even more turbu- neration model that will be introduced not always have the chance to hear each
lent by the growing gap between the from 1 March 2018. This will allow us to As of the autumn, the LR has reviewed other. Understanding and evaluating
LR team and management, as well increase salaries for the lower paid LR advertising pricing, which had not the special role of the LR in shaping the
as uncertainties about its finances. employees. In order to increase salaries changed since 2014, and is now in Latvian information space, the NEPLP
The problems had been thoroughly and strengthen the capacity of the LR, line with the market situation. After believes it is very important to continue
neglected, thus the fulfilment of the last year the NEPLP battled to receive a many year interruption, the Human modernizing the LR in order to jointly
public service remit and the operation an additional action grant of 0.4 million Resources Unit is once again fully create a modern LR that could fit into
of the LR as a whole was threatened. euros. This is the largest increase in the operational in the LR and was created the new, united public media.
8 NEPLP ACTIVITY REVIEW 2017 NEPLP ACTIVITY REVIEW 2017 9
the regulator, the implementation culture, knowledge, creativity, coopera- Latvian society in a qualitative way. To
of a strategic and transparent public tion. The developed approach is to an date this has been done inadequate-
service remit, the establishment of an extent a test version. ly and fragmentarily, and we plan to
ombudsman institution, the withdraw- This year we will improve on it in order change that. We must study and anal-
al of public media from the advertising to adopt guidelines that will serve as yse who the population and citizens of
market, defining their special role in the the basis for defining the objectives and Latvia are. We must create a compre- A highlight in 2017, a priority
Latvian information and culture space. tasks of a public service remit for a three hensive map of Latvian social identities, this year - Latvijas Televīzija, a
Currently it is planned that public year period instead of the one year which would help us to understand
model for the development
media may withdraw from the advertis- previously. The content and financial who we are and what matters to us.
ing market in 2021. It is important that reporting system will also be improved, Media and information usage habits of and evaluation of public
the issue of establishing an indepen- as well as the public benefit test. the population, and changes in those service remit.
dent and sustainable financing model, habits, must also be studied.
which is not included in the current Taking into account the development
version of the law, is also resolved. This trends of the global media environ- An important challenge for LTV’s work is
is an important decision for the country ment, the development of digital the aging of the audience and the abil-
to strategically strengthen its informa- technologies and the wide range of ity to reach children and young people.
tion space by developing modern, content offered and with the chang- One of the objectives of the LTV Board
high-quality and reliable media. ing media habits of the population, this year is to review the medium-term
the NEPLP pays particular attention of development strategy and its devel-
the need to ensure the availability and opment for the next three years. It will
Creating public benefit
distribution of content on relevant plat- also include a digital strategy, which is
forms used by the population. Children a particularly important task to ensure
and young people are a group that that the content generated is accessi-
for Latvia
needs to be given special attention and ble to the widest audience, given that
has also been identified as a key priority currently the basic audience in linear
Dr. Ieva Beitika, for the public media in 2018. broadcasting is 55+. Public media
NEPL Council Member are on the way to a dialogue with the
It should be noted that it was possible There is also the increased risk of receiv- public on the platforms that it uses. The
Previous experience in the media, to get additional financial resources ing unconfirmed, false or deliberate growing popularity of the LSM.lv portal
non-governmental organization and this year to increase LTV remuneration, misinformation in the internet age. is positive. Next year LTV will contin-
business environment, as well as which is an historic event - an addition- The fake news phenomena should be ue to develop an internet platform for
academic work studying the media al 360,577 euros were allocated from considered a threat to the existence children bernistaba.lsm.lv, ensuring the
environment and the development of the state budget. When starting work, of a democratic society. However, we availability of safe and child-friendly
social media in Latvia, gave hope that this was one of the first issues raised by understand that a defensive strategy content on the Internet. We also need to
I would be able to contribute to the public media employees. The improved of supervising media activity is only continue to develop the internet chan-
development of the media environ- remuneration system has to be imple- one aspect, and is not effective by itself. nel Visiem LTV.lv, where it is possible to
ment and Latvian society as a whole. mented transparently this year. To protect our information space, all watch LTV1 and LTV7 original content
When I started work at the council, I involved parties, including the NEPLP and archived content anywhere in the
was aware of the systemic challenges Last year the NEPLP developed a new and the public media, must work to world, especially to reach the Latvian
that hinder the development of the approach for the development of a prevent risks. One of the main activi- diaspora. According to the data of the
media environment and public media public service remit plan for LR, LTV and ties is to help the populace learn how European Latvian Association, around
in Latvia. I was also aware that NEPLP, the united news portal LSM.lv, antic- to understand and use this stream of 370 000 Latvian citizens live or stay
as an independent institution serv- ipating a strategic implementation information, and how to consciously outside of Latvia.
ing the people of Latvia, will have to approach aimed at generating public make decisions. That is education. One
work hard to regain trust in the public benefit. It consists of two tiers of goals, of the content priorities of the public The NEPLP must continue to devel-
space. Throughout the year good initia- which have correspondingly defined media this year is also media and infor- op a media environment that creates
tives were started and changes were tasks for developing and implementing mation literacy. They also have the task a level playing field for its members.
achieved. The work has to continue. the public service remit: (1) planning of of themselves explaining what media We strategically support the creation
content in accordance with the public are. of high-quality local content in the
It is significant that during the past year benefit objectives and ensuring its interests of the Latvian public, thus
the parliament started work on the availability; (2) public service remit Regular sociological and market strengthening the national information
development of a new Public Media management with a view to ensuring research is required for the NEPLP to space. Shaping the information and
Law. It is intended to address systemic the quality of the performance of the perform its functions - making data- cultural space in Latvia is our common
problems in public media activity and public service remit. In general, six based decisions and ensuring that the task in the global information age. The
development such as independent goals for the creation of public benefit public media can plan and execute the development of public media in the
management, which is separate from have been defined: society, democracy, public service remit in the interests of digital era is a high priority.
10 NEPLP ACTIVITY REVIEW 2017 NEPLP ACTIVITY REVIEW 2017 11
Radio was chosen and appointed in an A little more than a million euros were
open competition. Substantial chang- allocated to provide free terrestrial
es in the electronic media environment broadcasts (television Re: TV, Riga TV24
were introduced by the sale of MTG to and Sportacentrs.com TV) and 200 thou-
the international asset management sand euros for projects strengthening
company Providence Equity Partners. the Latvian cultural space.
The media company All Media Baltics, A significant result has been achieved
which emerged as a result of the deal, by the closer involvement of the new
means an escalation of competition, PAC members in the work of the NEPLP,
not only in the shrinking TV market, providing guidance on the awarding
but also poses new challenges in and evaluation of the public service
the telecommunications and mobile remit, and the fight against piracy
communications market. and the observance of copyrights in
media enterprises. Taking into account
One of the most significant projects that last year the NEPLP signed a
launched last year was the creation of memorandum of cooperation with
a new version of the Electronic Media the association On Legal Content, the
Law (EPLL) and the National Strategy Latvian Internet Association, the Public
for Electronic Media. The law super- Utilities Commission and the State
In 2017, out of 29 TV channels partic- The changes in TV viewership over a five year
vising electronic media, as well as Revenue Service, coordinated and
ipating in the Latvian advertising period in various age categories.
the second “umbrella document” of intensive work has begun on identi-
market, only 12 channels produce Data: TNS
the industry - the industry’s develop- fying illegal TV service providers and
their content in Latvia, and their share
ment strategy - are outdated due to limiting illegal content.
of the total viewing time (Share, %)
the rapid development of technolo- was 50.2%. In comparison - in 2016
gies and changes in the availability of The withdrawal of the public media
from the advertising market is and will the total time of viewing the Latvian
media content, creating ever newer channels was 52.5%, and in 2012 - 61%.
platforms for reaching the audience. be a topical issue for both the media
themselves and politicians. In October Over the last five years, consump-
of last year the Saeima conceptually tion of TV programs created in Latvia
Being aware of the influence of the has decreased by 17.7%. Advertising
global market on the possibilities of supported the new Public Electronic
We will become a Media Law project, which provides for money is gradually flowing to both
Latvian media to compete, the NEPLP foreign channels represented on the
plays a major role in strengthening the a number of important reforms: the
withdrawal of public media from the Latvian market and international digital
local informational space and ensur- players: Facebook, Google, YouTube. This
advertising market (discussions on
trusted partner
ing a diversity of opinions, not only is money not currently included in the
deadlines and funding conditions are
in public, but also in the commercial statistics, but experts of the industry
still to come), separate public media
media. In total, 1.8 million euros were estimate the amount to be 30-40% of
monitoring bodies, the creation of the
allocated for this purpose from the state the total amount of digital advertising
Public Electronic Media Council, as
for the community
budget in 2017. (approximately 4.5-6 million euros).
well as making changes to the existing
During the year,
public media management model. The
962 hours of The aforementioned trends force the
proposed changes should be viewed
media content
and the media
in the context of increased funding for owners and managers of electronic
was produced media to pay even more attention to
the public media and efficient use of
and broad- producing quality content, its market-
finances (planning) as well as the trans-
cast in Latvia. ing and the diversification of media
fer of a part of the public service remit
205 thousand platforms to make this content easily
to commercial media.
Gunta Līdaka, euros were provided for the coverage accessible. These global challeng-
NEPL Council Member of municipal elections in the regions es concern Latvian media as well.
One of the biggest challenges for public
and Riga and for 244 thousand euros Therefore, the NEPLP will be a reliable
and commercial media is the change
Looking back at 2017 in the field of elec- - regional media covered events in the in media content consumption, which partner to media in the fight for the
tronic mass media, it can be described regions of Latvia. 23 thousand euros particularly affects television. Over the attention of their listeners and view-
as a year of transformation and change. were planned for the diaspora subject, last five years television has lost from ers, and will represent the interests of
A new NEPLP council was elected, but 71 thousand euros were allocated 5% to 20% of its audience (depend- Latvian society for varied and truthful
the Public Advisory Council (PAC) was to Latgale for the strengthening of the ing on age group), and this trend is information.
re-elected, a new Board for Latvijas national identity and state language. continuing.
12 NEPLP ACTIVITY REVIEW 2017 NEPLP ACTIVITY REVIEW 2017 13
out the reasons for such statements. In continues to be dominated by the large the summer of 2017 I was able to partic- The additional financing
order to responsibly defend the need radio groups, which consist of several ipate in a study trip, organized by the
for additional funding, it was necessary radio stations: Radio Skonto Group, Radio LVRTC, to the eastern border of Latvia
acquired by the NEPLP for LR
to get a detailed assessment of the use SWH Group, EHR Media Group, and others. to assess the current technical quality for 2018 is an important basis
of financing by the LR and evaluate the As a result of the frequency tenders orga- of the provision of radio and TV services for the future activities of the
results achieved and the effectiveness of nized by the NEPLP in 2017, Radio Tev, and the media consumption habits of LR. To ensure meaningful
the activities of the LR. This work turned which is part of the Skonto Group, has locals. It must be admitted that even at
out to be a unique experience, which I expanded by obtaining a new frequency the most remote and technically most development, starting this
had not encountered in my twenty years in Kurzeme. Broadcasting rights in new difficult to reach points, the LVRTC is year several significant
of work in radio and TV. Many emotions, frequencies were also obtained by Radio able to provide a continuous public changes in the organizational
someone feels hurt, someone feels SWH Rock of the SWH Group. Taking radio and television signal. In some
into account the effectively exhausted places reception is flawless or good, in
structure, financial planning
threatened... Even conflict situations,
which could have been solved construc- resource of FM frequencies, the large others - satisfactory. But the choice of and programme positioning
tively and rationally, arose. Nearly a year market players seeking to expand are media consumption for border residents development, for which
passed before we arrived at a function- interested in acquiring the smaller radio is primarily based on the economic value my colleagues and I had
ing, development-oriented, prospective stations which have become unprof- of the offer and only after that - on the
LR Board. itable. In 2017 the Retro FM network content. We concluded that Latvijas
been advocating, have been
developed ambitiously in Latvia. A Radio programmes reach more residents introduced. It is a pleasant
The additional financing acquired by list of the company’s most significant than those of Latvijas Televīzija, because feeling that part of the
the NEPLP for LR for 2018 is an import- purchases includes the former Autoradio a TV receiver needs a decoder. In gener- important work has been
ant basis for the future activities of the network, as well as 1. Biznesa Radio, and al, the majority of TV viewing time is
LR. To ensure meaningful development, also creating a new radio station XO FM. taken by Russian-language programs completed, but the road
starting this year several significant Changes have also occurred in the Mix distributed by the neighbouring coun- ahead is still long. My wish for
My First year
changes in the organizational struc- FM Group, where the Mix FM Dance radio tries - Belarus and Russia - since their the newly elected Board of LR
ture, financial planning and programme station has been replaced by Lounge FM reception is much cheaper than Latvian
since the end of last year. programmes.
is to continue what they have
positioning development, for which my
colleagues and I had been advocating, In 2017 tests of DAB+, i.e. digital radio, started, so that this year - the
at the NEPLP have been introduced. It is a pleasant
feeling that part of the important work
has been completed, but the road
which could eventually replace FM trans-
mitters and receivers, performed by the
Latvian State Radio and Television Centre
The digital age also has a tangible influ-
ence on the work of radio stations.
Currently the leading radio stations have
year of Latvia’s centenary -
becomes a springboard for a
Patriks Grīva, ahead is still long. My wish for the newly (LVRTC), were completed. The technical begun competing for the time of their
modern and powerful Latvijas
NEPL Council Member elected Board of LR is to continue what results were convincingly positive, but listeners, not only online via the PC, but Radio!
they have started, so that this year - the NEPLP rejected the introduction of DAB+ also on other digital platforms, creating
In the National Electronic Mass media year of Latvia’s centenary - becomes a technology in Latvia as it would require mobile and tablet applications for their
Council (NEPLP) I oversee the commer- springboard for a modern and powerful millions of euros of taxpayer money and radio organizations. Internet streaming
cial radio sector and am co-responsible Latvijas Radio! also impose an obligation on residents is well developed in Latvia, which is a
for the development of Latvijas Radio to replace their radio receivers. In Latvia stable basis for ensuring flawless sound
(LR). Looking back at what has been One of my areas of responsibility in the it is already possible to listen to the radio quality. It allows, for example, consum-
achieved, I have to emphasize sever- framework of the development of the digitally online. Latvia has to introduce ers to listen to any of the offered local or
al radio tenders in the commercial commercial radio industry is to exam- broadband internet by 2020, mobile global programmes in their car by using
sector, legal changes in the activities of ine whether the rules for the placement operators are already getting ready to Bluetooth systems. The most advanced
commercial radio stations, inspections, of paid commercial content outside of introduce 5G. radio stations in Latvia use mobile phone
as well as the noting of new programmes advertising blocks are observed. That’s applications for broadcasting several
due to changes in ownership. However, why I have begun, and will continue, DAB, and its improved version DAB+, is thematic channels, which can only be
in my first year I have dedicated the to regularly meet with industry repre- not a new technology in the world. For received via the Internet. I predict that
most time to working with LR. sentatives, listening to the opinions of example, in the UK, since the introduc- within a few years high-quality, all-en-
radio station heads and involving them tion of the DAB technology twenty years compassing mobile applications will be
When starting work at the NEPLP, the in discussions about the development ago, only half of the radio stations have a necessity for any radio station wishing
new composition of the council was of the industry. The commercial radio been broadcasting DAB+, while also to compete in the Latvian market. This
immediately met with public state- market has become especially saturat- maintaining FM broadcasting. Norway, will create ever expanding new choices
ments by LR employees regarding ed in recent years - there are 51 radio a considerably wealthier country than for listeners. Of course, the competition
possible industrial actions due to low stations registered in Latvia. At the same Latvia, is the first to fully transition to with different audio streaming provid-
pay. Taking into account that the NEPLP time, the total radio advertising market DAB+ radio broadcasting. But that is ers on the Internet will also increase, so
is the shareholder of the public broad- remains largely unchanged, reaching based on their peculiar terrain, which radio stations will have to focus more on
casting organizations and is directly only 10.2 million euros in 2017. This is prevents FM transmitters from having creating local content to compete with
responsible for their funding, we imme- insufficient to fully support such a large stable reception. Latvia has no such global market players.
diately took stock of the situation to find amount of participants. The market disruptions to the functioning of FM. In
14 NEPLP ACTIVITY REVIEW 2017 NEPLP ACTIVITY REVIEW 2017 15
Major events
Council Member), Ivars Āboliņš (co-responsible Council Member);
• Monitoring of the commercial television industry - Gunta Līdaka (responsi-
ble Council Member), Ieva Beitika (co-responsible Council Member);
• Monitoring of the cable television industry - Dace Ķezbere (responsible
in 2017 •
Council Member), Gunta Līdaka (co-responsible Council Member);
interinstitutional cooperation and the legislative process - Gunta Līdaka
(responsible Council Member) and all other Council Members in accor-
dance with their areas of responsibility;
• international cooperation in the electronic mass media industry - Ieva
Beitika (responsible Council Member) and all other Council Members in
accordance with their areas of responsibility;
• the four NEPL Council Members who are responsible for public media, are
responsible for the pubic media portal LSM.LV
Instructions of the State Audit
Office have been implemented
In 2017 the NEPLP was able to implement all the recommendations from the
New members of the NEPL
Council Ieva Beitika (third from The NEPLP begins work in a new State Audit Office (VK) which had been received the previous year. The VK
letter acknowledges that the NEPLP has implemented all the recommenda-
the left) and Ivars Āboliņš
(fourth from the left) meet the composition tions provided by the VK after the audits of the NEPLP in 2015 and 2016. Taking
into account the recommendations of the VK, the NEPLP has approved a list of
previous NEPL Council. staff positions and defined the occupational codes, family, salary group, level
1 February 2017 was the last day of work for four previous members of the and a monthly salary, which does not exceed the maximum allowable month-
NEPL Council: Aija Dulevska, Dainis Mjartāns, Ainārs Dimants and Ivars Zviedris. ly wage; the internal control processes of the use of the allocated grants for
Dace Ķezbere, the current council chairman, continues her work for the NEPLP Latvijas Radio, Latvijas Televīzija and commercial television have been substan-
from the previous composition because she was approved by the Saeima in tially improved (they are regularly carried out by special audit commissions,
this capacity later than the other members of the previous council - in 2015. which report to the NEPLP), other NEPLP activities have been improved, which
“The Council needs a continuity of experience and knowledge the most. Taking promote the effective work of the council and effective electronic media
into account that I have been working at the Council since July 2015, I can be supervising.
a useful “bridge” between the previous and the new Council” emphasized D.
Ķezbere after the appointment of new colleagues.
The Latgale
media
programme
continues
At the beginning of the year, the
NEPLP approved the results of tenders
for the production of programmes in the Latgale regional and local mass
New members of the NEPL Council.
media, which broadcast television and radio programmes. In the tender for
producing a radio programme, the offer by the producer group Lietišķā Latgale
The newly elected members of the NEPLP agreed on the following distribution
Ltd. to continue the series “Pi myusim Latgolā” was recognized as the winner.
of roles:
• Monitoring of VSIA Latvijas Televīzija - Ieva Beitika (responsible Council
In the tender for the production of TV programmes, the independent
Member), Dace Ķezbere (co-responsible Council Member);
production group Studija 3KM Ltd.’s offer to create the educational programmes
• Monitoring of VSIA Latvijas Radio - Ivars Āboliņš (responsible Council
“Sajūti Latgali”, was declared the winner The funding for each contest is 35 571
Member), Patriks Grīva (co-responsible Council Member);
euros. The public tender was intended for regional and local electronic mass
• Monitoring of the commercial radio industry - Patriks Grīva (responsible
media and producer groups in the Latgale region.
16 NEPLP ACTIVITY REVIEW 2017 NEPLP ACTIVITY REVIEW 2017 17Producing Pre-election debate
programmes
In two tenders for the production of pre-election debate programmes, the NEPLP
selected the best offers in the regions and large cities of Latvia. The broadcasting
of pre-election debates in Riga and the big cities was entrusted to LNT and Riga
TV24, while four regional televisions gained the rights to produce programmes in
Latgale (Dautkom TV), Kurzeme (Skrunda Television), Vidzeme (Vidzeme Television)
and Zemgale (Ģimenes TV).
Cooperation to limit illegal
The first meeting of the new
A New LTV and LR strategy for
NEPLP - 6 February 2017.
content
2019 was adopted At the beginning of the year the NEPLP signed a memorandum of cooperation
At the beginning of the year the NEPLP (still in the previous configuration) with the association For Legal Content, the Latvian Internet Association, the Public
approved the medium-term strategy for Latvijas Televīzija (LTV) for 2017-2019. Utilities Commission and the State Revenue Service, which provides for joint
LTV’s overall strategic goal is to become the most sought after media (TV action to restrict providers of illegal television services. Within the framework of
and web) in the industry, the leader in terms of the audience reached and the this memorandum of cooperation, the NEPLP ensures regular monitoring of cable
standard of quality in the field of broadcast content. LTV has a vision that it operators, including inspection raids and listening to complaints from citizens,
is a responsible, independent and excellent company that inspires, informs, copyright holders and other industry representatives about alleged violations;
educates and entertains society. The strategy identifies the financial and publicly disclose the results of these inspections; cooperate with competent
non-financial objectives of LTV, as well as the company’s control and evaluation persons of other national regulatory authorities on limiting illegal television
system. Among the content development goals of the LTV is an increase in the services; gather information on providers of TV services in the jurisdiction of Latvia
volume and quality of original content on the LTV1 channel, the development (the rebroadcasters of television programmes) and on-demand service providers.
of a new positioning for the LTV7 channel, the development of a multimedia
content platform for young people, the creation of an Internet channel for
compatriots abroad, etc.
Cable network inspections
VSIA Latvijas Radio (LR) medium term strategy for 2017-2019 states that, in the
long run, the LR intends to preserve and strengthen its role as the informa- In 2017 the NEPLP visited 13 cities in Latvia in four visits, and in total, inspections
tion leader in the Latvian information space, as well as to establish the LR as were carried out on 20 different cable television network connection headends
a well-managed organization that uses the latest technological solutions in (covering 50% of all cable TV service providers registered at the council, covering
its work, is able to react promptly to changes in the media environment and 90-95% of cable TV subscribers). The infringements found were largely related to
media content usage habits and rationally and efficiently uses the available rebroadcasting of programmes not included in the list of programmes for retrans-
resources. mission of the cable service in question.
The following cable operators were inspected in 2017: Arts Ltd., PLC Balticom,
Changes in the management of Baltcom Ltd., Bradis Ltd., Eikatik Ltd., Elektrons Ltd., Elektrons&K Ltd., Elektrons S Ltd.,
Infonet sistēmas Ltd., Kopideja Ltd., Lattelecom RR-2 Ltd., Lattelecom DR-32 Ltd., LMT
Latvijas Radio Ltd., Namsaimnieks Ltd., Nova Ltd., Ostkom Ltd., Pirmais Baltijas Kanāls Ltd., SkaTVis
Ltd., Telepark IPTV Ltd., Valkas elektrons Ltd..
In 2017 the Latvijas Radio (LR) Board was replaced after an open competition.
The NEPLP appointed Una Klapkalne as the LR Chairperson of the Board for five
years and Mārīte Tukiša was appointed as a Member of the Board for financial
management issues, also for five years. A few months later the third Member of
the Board was selected. This member is responsible for the development of the
LR programme. The NEPLP appointed Sanita Dika-Bokmeldere for this post. All
nominees for positions on the Management Board of the LR were evaluated by
a specially created nomination commission.
18 NEPLP ACTIVITY REVIEW 2017 NEPLP ACTIVITY REVIEW 2017 19at the beginning of the year. As of 1 January 2017 the NEPLP began to register
programmes that were rebroadcast on cable TV in an electronic registration
system. The new system includes all programmes that the NEPLP authorized for
rebroadcast in Latvia.
The electronic system contains information both about electronic mass media
(name, registration number, address, contact information, etc.) and programmes
rebroadcast in Latvia (name, language of the program, thematic guidance, infor-
mation about the license). When issuing a rebroadcast authorization, the NEPLP
assigns a password to the appropriate cable operator for access the registry.
Changes with regard to the programmes that have received NEPLP permission for
Tender on the diaspora and rebroadcast can be performed by the cable operator itself. To add a new program
to the list of rebroadcastable programmes, the cable operator must obtain a permit
remigration theme from the NEPLP.
In evaluating the applications received in the tender for the production of televi-
sion shows and broadcasts on diaspora and remigration, NEPLP recognized IMLO
Lat-Ireland Ltd and its programme “Piektais novads” as the most suitable tenderer.
Digital radio broadcast testing
It is being produced with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and 23
thousand euros have been allocated to create it.
ends
After evaluating the results of digital radio (digital audio broadcasting, aka DAB+)
This tender has been organized for several years now. Its aim is to support the broadcasts, the NEPLP decided not to support the introduction of the digital sound
development of Latvian diasporas and the production of stories and programmes broadcasting DAB+ standard in Latvia, taking into account the long-term effective-
about the diasporas, as well as to make these broadcasts available to the diaspora ness of the broadcasting standard, the benefits to society versus the introduction
and Latvian society in the Latvian public and commercial electronic media and on costs, as well as the potential impact on Latvian broadcasters and the advertising
the internet. market. Since November 2016, digital radio broadcasting tests have been carried
out by the Latvia State Radio and Television Centre.
Discussing the principles of public
media financing Tender for the production of
In July the NEPLP invited the representatives of Latvijas Televīzija and Latvijas Radio
regional TV news stories
to discuss the principles of attracting public funding for public media. The purpose At the end of 2017 the NEPLP concluded the tender “On the creation of munici-
of the open discussion was to promote transparency in the attraction of finance to pal news in 2018”. The winner of the tender was acknowledged to be Valmieras
the public media and to increase public confidence. TV Ltd. (the only participant of the tender). The contract concluded as a result
of the tender stipulates that Valmieras TV Ltd., together with cooperation
“Public media need regulation on cooperation with third parties, attracting fund- partners - ten regional televisions, produces up-to-date, diverse and compre-
ing for content creation in order to ensure the transparency, independence and hensive stories on developments in the regions.
credibility of public media. The public media must develop systemic criteria. It is
positive that Latvijas Televīzija has begun work on the development of such basic The tender dossier stipulates that Valmieras TV Ltd. will prepare a regional news
principles,” said Ieva Beitika, a member of the NEPLP. She believes that coopera- program every day in 2018, as well as provide stories that are ordered by LTV.
tion and sponsorship agreements with third parties include risk factors to editorial The aim of the tender was to prepare news stories from Latvian regions for
independence, which the media must eliminate. the implementation of the public service remit on LTV and national commer-
cial television networks, which ensure the distribution of free television
programmes with terrestrial transmitters, thus facilitating access to information
Electronic registration of cable about processes in the regions of Latvia and strengthening the media space in
Latvia. The regional news stories should include information about 110 Latvian
networks begins regions, cities of republic significance, not counting Riga, and topical issues of
the Latvian diaspora, including promoting the use of the Latgalian language in
the stories created in Latgale. The funding for the tender is 244,259 euros.
A new procedure for issuing rebroadcast permits and the rights of electron-
ic media to rebroadcast audio and audiovisual programmes entered into force
20 NEPLP ACTIVITY REVIEW 2017 NEPLP ACTIVITY REVIEW 2017 21The Public Advisory Council
begins work in a new composition
On 11 May the NEPLP approved a new composition of the Public Advisory Council
(PAC). At the application deadline, applications from 29 public and non-govern-
mental organizations had been received and they had nominated a total of 27
candidates.
Dace Kotzeva, previous chairperson of the For Legal Content association, was
appointed chairman of the PAC. Andris Ķēniņš, executive director of the Latvian
Broadcaster Association, was appointed as deputy chairman.
During the meeting
of the Baltic media The PAC is the advisory body of the NEPLP, whose task is to ensure public partic-
regulators in Tallinn. ipation in the public service remit and in the development of a national strategy
The Meeting of Baltic regulators for the Electronic mass media industry. Members of the PAC must abstain from
discussing and making decisions when the issues raised create or can create a
conflict of interest.
The annual meeting of the Baltic Electronic Media Regulators took place in
October, in which media representatives from Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania
discussed current developments in the electronic media market. This year’s meet- PAC composition
ing was held in Tallinn and its members discussed issues related to TV licensing,
rebroadcasting of TV programmes in internet media, commercial notices in TV Name, surname Societies, foundations, professional institutions, other organizations
programmes, and TV broadcasting issues. Latvia was represented at the meeting
of the Regulators by NEPL Council members Gunta Līdaka and Ieva Beitika, as well Dace Kotzeva PAC Chairperson, association For Legal Content
as staff from the NEPLP Secretariat. Andris Ķēniņš Latvian Broadcaster Association
Ingrīda Brigita Stroda Association Riga Active Senior Alliance
The State subsidy Valdis Labinskis Association of Latvian catholic students and academics “Dzintars”
for public media. Dārija Juškeviča Ita Kozakeviča’s Association of Latvian National Culture Associations
in 2017 1,045,812 euros Olga Fokina The Latvian Electronic Communication Association
three TV channels, that have free
terrestrial broadcasting (Re:TV,
Ivars Balodis Union of People with Disabilities and Their Friends “Apeirons”
Sportacentrs.com and Riga TV 24) Oksana Žabko Latvian sociological association
LTV Ingrīda Veikša Association Media Institute
15,885,622 euros The total granted to
71,144 euros
Dainis Mjartāns Association of Regional Televisions
(including 826,217 euros for Commercial EPL* in 2017 Latvian Press Publishers Association,
for local and regional Edgars Kots
emergency needs) Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
1,789,215 euros
EPL and producer groups
registered in Latgale to Elīna Pinto European Latvian Association
LR support the production of
Sarma Freiberga Nāc līdzās! foundation
7,970,847 euros EPL content in the Latvian
and Latgalian languages. Dzintra Geka-Vaska Latvian Association of the Politically Repressed Persons
Kirils Solovjovs Latvian Student Association
200,000 euros Imants Liepiņš Labour union Union of Latvian Journalists
for TV channels (Re:TV,
Rīga TV24)
23,000 euros Toms Meisītis Latvian Information and Communications Technology Association
205,000 euros for commercial EPL which function Aija Simsone Latvian Press Publishers Association
244,259 euros for commercial EPL in the countries of the diaspora,
Vita Tērauda Association Providus
for regional and local EPL to to ensure coverage to ensure production of content
ensure LTV “Regional news” of the municipal relating to the Latvian diaspora Jānis Buholcs Association of Latvian Journalists
elections in 2017 and its broadcast both to the
diaspora and Latvian society
NEPLP ACTIVITY REVIEW 2017 23member Ingrīda Brigita Strode, lecturer at the Faculty of Social Sciences of the The experts shared their
University of Latvia Rolands Tjarve, head of the Public Relations Division of the
vision regarding the quality
State Police Sigita Pildava, assistant professor at Vidzeme University Jānis Buholcs,
Head of the Children’s Rights Division of the Ombudsman Laila Grāvere, LSM.lv
of the stories that were
chief editor Marta Cerava, executive director of the Baltic Media Excellence Centre produced in the framework
Rita Ruduša. of the public service remit
The experts shared their vision regarding the quality of the stories that were and were a source of radically
produced in the framework of the public service remit and were a source of radical-
different assessments or even
ly different assessments or even complaints. R. Ruduša emphasized that balanced
and fact-based information is needed in news stories. Guntis Bojārs, a Latvijas
complaints.
Televīzija journalist, believes that the emotions of content producers should not
prevail over the facts. In turn, L.Gravere, the Head of the Children’s Rights Division
of the Ombudsman and S. Pildava,the Head of the Public Relations Department of
the State Police, emphasized the importance of media responsibility in reflecting
sensitive issues, especially those affecting children’s rights. R. Tjarve pointed out
that the main responsibility rests not on the journalists, but on the editors.
The NEPLP launches a discussion
cycle for the development
of the media industry
The first three discussions In 2017 the NEPLP launched a new initiative - public debates on important
issues for the media industry. The first three discussions focused on the quali-
focused on the quality
ty of journalism and the responsibility of media professionals; coverage of the
of journalism and the
responsibility of media
election in the electronic media; advertisement placement regulations and
improvements to it. Media coverage of the municipal Representatives of the media,
political scientists, sociologists
professionals; coverage of A media ombudsman is scheduled to be created, according to the Latvian Media
the election in the electronic Policy Guidelines 2016-2020, and the NEPLP strongly supports this commit- elections and other experts discussed
media; advertisement ment. As we move towards the establishment of the ombudsman, the NEPLP the coverage of the elections
placement regulations and
will continue to organize discussions, raising issues on journalistic challenges in The role of traditional media in shaping public opinion is constantly diminishing, in the media and the role of
the electronic media. social networks and social media are taking their place, and the media litera-
improvements to it. the media in the democratic
cy of the society itself is critically important - such were the main findings of
the experts at the NEPLP discussion “The 3 Vectors of the elections”, which took process, identifying the
place 12 July in the House of the European Union. Representatives of the media, necessary changes, including
Strengthening the quality of political scientists, sociologists and other experts discussed the coverage of in preparation for the 2018
the elections in the media and the role of the media in the democratic process, Saeima elections.
journalism identifying the necessary changes, including in preparation for the 2018 Saeima
elections.
The discussion cycle organized by the NEPLP began on 24 May with a discussion on Opening the discussion, Gunta Līdaka, a member of the NEPLP, highlighted
the quality of Latvian journalism and media literacy issues. The first discussion was the most important issues in the pre-election period - they mainly relate to the
attended by members of the Public Advisory Council (PAC), media representatives, submission of pre-election lists, the attitude of politicians towards the debates
industry professionals and representatives of various institutions who, together in the media, the so-called “black PR” campaigns, as well as the use of language.
with the invited experts, analysed the information coverage in public media and After the 2017 municipal elections, 18 complaints were received by the NEPLP on
media positioning. alleged violations of pre-election campaign regulations.
During the discussion the following experts took the floor: media expert and PAC Inga Jaunskunga, Head of the Department for Financing Control of Political
24 NEPLP ACTIVITY REVIEW 2017 NEPLP ACTIVITY REVIEW 2017 25You can also read
