Media Shake-up: Realitatea Plus Wins Legal Battle to Keep License
In a major victory for media autonomy, the Bucharest Court of Appeal has stepped in to halt a controversial move by the CNA, suspending the decision to withdraw the license of Realitatea Plus. The court ruled in favor of the company that owns the station, effectively overturning the regulator’s attempt to take the network off the air.
This legal clash is the latest flashpoint in what has been described as a “CNA war,” a series of high-stakes disputes between the National Audiovisual Council and media entities. The scale of the conflict is evident in the backlog of litigation. 27 out of 38 cases have seen terms extended by more than 20 days. However, the Realitatea case moved with surprising speed, as the Court of Appeal reached its verdict on the same day it was heard.
The ruling provides a critical lifeline to the network, as the Court of Appeal gave the win to the company owning Realitatea Plus in the license lawsuit. The decision follows public commentary from Ilie Bolojan regarding the attempted license withdrawal.
The legal victory comes amidst a broader debate over media protection and regulatory overreach. Some critics have questioned who has been protecting the station and figures like Georgescu, particularly after reports that the network had closed. This ruling highlights the ongoing volatility of the media landscape and the critical role of the courts in mediating the tension between government regulators and broadcasting outlets.
