New Law on Mass Media Was Adopted in Belarus

The Parliament of the Republic of Belarus adopted and the President of the Republic of Belarus signed the Law of the Republic of Belarus on Mass Media of July 17, 2008 No. 427-Z.

The scope of application of the Law embraces all mass media established in the Republic of Belarus and those established abroad in respect of their activities in the Republic of Belarus.

According to the Law the definition of mass media includes, along with traditional types of mass media (magazines, newspapers, radio-, TV- and video programs, etc.), other periodical collections of informational messages and/or materials (programs) made available to the public (clause 2 of article 1 of the Law).

The Law establishes basic principles of carrying out activities in the sphere of mass media, the order of establishment and registration of mass media, the order of dissemination of products thereof, including via Internet.

The Law provides for certain norms on implementation of the right to information.

The Law enters into forth in 6 months after its official publication.