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Guide to the Global Leaders in Media Law Practice

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Central and Eastern Europe

Over the past year, Romania has implemented significant changes in its media laws, intended to address emerging challenges in digital content regulation, electoral integrity and advertising standards.

In March 2025, the government introduced a legislative proposal addressing the spread of illegal content, hate speech and manipulated information on social media platforms, particularly Very Large Online Platforms. This initiative aligns with the EU's Digital Services Act, emphasising Romania's commitment to ensuring a safer digital environment.

Digital transformation has intensified across traditional media organisations, with leading news outlets such as Digi24, Adevărul, and HotNews enhancing their online platforms and implementing various monetisation strategies, though digital subscription models remain challenging in the Romanian market.

In July 2024, Romania amended its Advertising and Audiovisual Laws to impose stricter regulations, including bans on certain content types. The National Audiovisual Council is empowered to prohibit advertisements that violate these laws, including those related to medicine, ensuring that practices align with public health objectives.

Romania's media market reached an estimated EUR778 million last year, reflecting an 11 per cent year-over-year increase from 2023, according to the Media Fact Book report by Initiative Romania. This growth is attributed to relative economic stability as well as cyclical events such as UEFA Euro 2024 and the Paris 2024 Olympics, which boosted advertising revenue.

EU Digital Services Act implementation has begun affecting platform relationships with Romanian media, particularly regarding content moderation and transparency requirements. In other developments, Television remains dominant despite digital growth with leading networks such as Pro TV, Antena and TVR maintaining strong viewership. However, linear television has seen gradual audience erosion, particularly among younger demographics.