Romania’s National Audiovisual Council (CNA) has issued a statement clarifying the rules governing video content that appears in online publications.
In it, it says that any such content that is found in the editorial area does not constitute an audiovisual media service. It therefore does not fall within the competence of the CNA.
However, if an online publication has separate section strictly comprising audiovisual material, it must be notified as a VOD service to the regulator.
CNA concludes by saying that the provision of audiovisual media services through any type of electronic communication networks, including the internet, is subject to two legal requirements. The first is requesting an audiovisual licence, in the case of TV services, pursuant to the Audiovisual Law, and second is notification of the audiovisual media service upon request.
The latter is in accordance with legislation that also requires the provider of such service to notify the regulator at least seven days before it starts.
Non-compliance can result in sanctioning of audiovisual media service providers.