Skopje, 20 August 2026 – The Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media Services (AVMU) responds to attempts by the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) to place the Agency’s actions in specific cases within the context of day-to-day political interests.
AVMU acts exclusively on the basis of its legally defined competences and within the procedures established by law. Prior to any change in the ownership structure of a broadcaster, the broadcaster is required to submit a notification of the change in ownership structure, together with the relevant documentation. Upon receipt of the notification, the Agency reviews the documentation and its compliance with the law and, within 30 days, adopts a decision approving or rejecting the change.
The legal representative of the Broadcasting Company Nasha TV DOOEL Skopje and the Commercial Broadcasting Company RFM DOOEL Skopje submitted a request for a change in their ownership structure on 29 June.
In order to fully establish all facts and circumstances relevant to the cases, as well as to obtain all information necessary for lawful, proper, and objective decision-making, the Agency Council extended the deadline for decision-making by an additional 30 days. During this period, the Agency continues to review the submitted documentation and collect the necessary information from the competent institutions. The proceedings regarding the requests are ongoing.
AVMU’s decisions are based on established facts and compliance with the applicable legal requirements and regulations, rather than on speculation, assumptions, or political allegations.
Therefore, the Agency calls on political actors not to politicize or use the work of the independent regulator for their own political interests.
AVMU will continue to exercise its legally defined competences professionally, independently, and transparently, in the interest of ensuring a free and pluralistic media environment in the country.