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The Law "On Media" entered into force: what will change for printed media and information agencies

On March 1, 2023, the Law of Ukraine "On Media", the adoption of which was one of the requirements of the European Union, entered into force. In this article, we will consider what has changed for print media and news agencies, how to maintain your registration and how to create such media.

First, it should be noted that a number of Laws have lost their validity, in particular:

  • "About printed mass media (press) in Ukraine";
  • "About television and radio broadcasting";
  • "About information agencies";
  • "About the National Council of Ukraine on Television and Radio Broadcasting";
  • "On the procedure for covering the activities of state authorities and local self-government bodies in Ukraine by mass media";
  • "On the protection of public morality".

Accordingly, as of March 31, 2023, the State Register of Print Mass Media and Information Agencies ceased to function.

From now on, all subjects working in the field of media are registered exclusively in accordance with the provisions of the Law "On Media".

Registration powers have been transferred from the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine to the National Council of Ukraine on Television and Radio Broadcasting. It is the media regulator that now registers media, issues broadcasting licenses and becomes the holder and technical administrator of the Register of Media Entities.

Printed media must undergo new registration

The transitional provisions of the Law determine that within a year from the day of its entry into force, subjects in the field of print media operating on the date of entry into force of this Law on the basis of a certificate of registration of a printed mass media must undergo registration in accordance with the Law. If this is not done, the certificate of registration of the printed mass media will lose its validity.

In general, registration of print media is voluntary. However, we draw your attention to the fact that Section IX additionally specifies that from the moment the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine recognizes a certain state as an aggressor state (occupier state) and within five years from the day the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopts a decision to cancel such status, print mass media are subject to mandatory registration. Within two months from the date of recognition by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine of a certain state as an aggressor state (occupier state), entities in the field of print media are required to register.

Since the russian federation has already been recognized by the Verkhovna Rada as an aggressor state and an occupying state, in order to continue its activities, print media will most likely need to register within two months from the day when this registration becomes possible according to the Law (we are talking about approved application forms and forms ). We will follow the clarifications regarding this provision.

Re-registration of Information Agencies is voluntary

In the same way, the transitional provisions of the Law regulate the procedure for information agencies to maintain their media status. Within a year from the date of entry into force of the Law, information agencies operating on the date of its entry into force on the basis of certificates of state registration of the information agency as a subject of information activity may undergo registration as subjects in the field of media. After this period expires, certificates of state registration of an information agency as a subject of information activity become invalid.

Also, Information Agencies should determine their status before re-registration, because there is no identical concept in the new Law. Online media have the most similar characteristics to what information agencies usually do.

Re-registration of print media and information agencies will be free of charge

The initial registration of print media or online media will cost the applicant 1 living wage for able-bodied persons, established as of January 1 of the year in which the application for registration is submitted.

Is it possible to apply already?

No, there is currently no technical possibility to register or re-register, because the National Council has not yet approved application forms, sample documents, etc. The deadline for approval of these documents by the National Council is June 30, 2023. So if you're viewing this page after that date, you can apply for registration.

Follow the update of information about the start of registration on our website.