Skopje, 16 December 2014 – The Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media Services conducted a supervision in terms of the provision of translations of foreign programme services that are re-transmitted in digital packets of operators of public electronic communications networks. It was found that in certain foreign programme services, in the option for choosing a translation, besides the Macedonian and Albanian language, options for other languages are offered. Pursuant to Article 64 paragraph 2 of the Law on Audio and Audiovisual Media Services in the Republic of Macedonia, it is stated that, programme services that are re-transmitted through public electronic communications networks must be subtitled in Macedonian language or the language of the community that is not in the majority, and is spoken by at least 20% of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia. Taking this into account, the Agency instantly ordered operators to immediately remove the options with offered translations that are contrary to Article 64 paragraph 2 of the Law on Audio and Audiovisual Media Services, in the option for choosing subtitles in a digital package, that is, to preserve only the translations into Macedonian and/or Albanian language. The Agency will monitor the compliance with the issued order for exclusion and if it finds that it has not been acted upon the order, in accordance with its legal responsibilities, it will submit a request for initiation of criminal proceedings.
