The Press Council of the Republic of Moldova is a national structure for self-regulation of activities of media outlets and journalists in the Republic of Moldova, based on the provisions of the Moldovan Journalist’s Code of Ethics.

The Press Council of the Republic of Moldova was founded on 1 October 2009 on the basis of a memorandum of understanding signed by six civic associations working in the fields of media, human rights and social development.

The Civic Association "Press Council of the Republic of Moldova" was registered with the Public Services Agency on 29 November 2023. The founders of the Press Council of the Republic of Moldova are the following civic associations:

Association of Independent Press (API);
Independent Journalism Centre (IJC);
Association of Electronic Press (APEL);
Press Freedom Committee;
Institute for Development and Social Initiatives IDIS “Viitorul”

THE PRESS COUNCIL'S OBJECTIVES ARE:

• Promote quality journalism;
• Enhance credibility of media outlets and journalists in the Republic of Moldova;
• Enhance accountability of Moldovan media outlets and journalists towards the public;
• Promote compliance with the professional standards laid down in the Moldovan Journalist’s Code of Ethics and other relevant national and international documents;
• Cultivate a culture of dialogue and mutual respect between media outlets and/or journalists and media product consumers.

On the basis of special regulations, the Press Council selects a Board of Experts to review complaints and referrals from media product consumers regarding the publication/dissemination of journalistic material in violation of rules of journalistic ethics, as well as ex-officio actions taken in regard to conduct contrary to journalistic ethics and the provisions of Moldovan Journalist’s Code of Ethics.

The Board of Experts negotiates swift and mutually acceptable compromise solutions to disputes between media/journalists and media product consumers concerning published journalistic material.

The Board of Experts also issues recommendations to strengthen professional standards in Moldovan media, develops public policy proposals in the media field, and carries out campaigns to promote accountable journalism.

The Board of Experts is a representative structure, consisting of 9 members, including 5 members representing the journalistic environment (including one representing media outlets of Gagauz Yeri territorial-administrative autonomy), and 4 members of the Council representing the media consumer environment.

The Board of Experts carries out its activities based on the Regulations for the Operation of Board of Experts, approved by the founders.

The appointment of members to the Board of Experts is based on the Regulations for the Selection of Members of Board of Experts.