Overwhelming vote in favour of Tanase: 405 votes for and only two votes against. PDL MPs left the room prior to the vote.
Journalist Stelian Tanase was appointed on Friday interim General Manager of TVR by the joint parliamentary plenum. The vote was anonymous and cast through vote ballots. According to the Parliament’s decision, Stelian Tanase’s interim term will end as soon as the plenum of the two Chambers appoints a new Board of Directors and a Board of Directors Chairman.
Prior to the plenum vote, Stelian Tanase received a positive recommendation from the joint Culture Commissions of the Chamber of Deputies, and Senate, respectively, with 25 unanimous votes. We remind our readers the former Board of Directors of TVR, run by Claudiu Saftoiu, President-General Manager of the public television station, was demoted on December 10 in the Parliament, simultaneously with the rejection of SRTv’s activity report for 2012. In the interview before the Culture Commissions, Stelian Tanase stated public television is currently facing a difficult situation. “I think (…) certain strategic decisions must be made with regard to saving public television. Steps have been taken in this respect and I don’t think I need to revolutionize, restructure, or carry out any radical plans if I become Head of Romanian Television. I believe the issue must be handled carefully, realistically, and most importantly, transparently. Without serious support from you and other institutions, particularly the Government and several ministries related to television, nothing can be done,” the journalist stated. Approaching the depolitization of television issue, he reminded his audience about the coming electoral year, “(…) the only wise and realistic position I can take is to ensure television is as objective as possible. I don’t believe it will be an easy task, but whoever will be the future Head will have to handle this matter very carefully.” The journalist called attention on the fact that public television “is not synonymous with the government’s television,” emphasizing politicians have had a very significant contribution to this institution’s loss in credibility. He pointed out his goal for 2014 was not to involve TVR in any scandals. Tanase also commented on TVR’s very large debts, amounting to approximately EUR 172 million, by saying he makes a commitment to the Government to salvage the television station.
On the other hand, he said if he is to take over TVR after the interim period, he would implement restructuring measures, layoffs, and hierarchical reorganization measures “very quickly and surgically.”
Tanase will have support in view of full term with TVR, Antonescu says
PNL chairman Crin Antonescu stated Friday, after the Parliament vote, that Stelian Tanase would receive support in running for a full term as Head of TVR, adding it seems where there is political will from majority leaders, a quorum can be reached. The PNL leader expressed gratitude to Tanase for having accepted to be nominated as Head of TVR, underlining Liberals would support all his efforts to reform public television.
“On the other hand, as far as we are concerned, (…) he will not have to deal with political interference or pressure. We want a modern television that serves the interests of citizens, not the Government, Parliamentary majority, or political parties,” Antonescu emphasized, adding that Prime Minister Victor Ponta’s absence from the Parliament vote is “no cause for dissatisfaction” since the quorum was met anyway.
