The Lebanese National Audio-Visual Council, and Italian AGCOM (Italian Authority for Communications), wrapped up a workshop at Bristol Hotel on Tuesday, on covering the legislative polls and moving to digital terrestrial television.

Both sides have signed a memorandum of understanding to exchange experiences, know-how and mutual assistance. The collaboration will strengthen the ties between Lebanon and Europe to build a modern and efficient regulatory framework to enhance the freedom of expression and the freedom to be informed and communicate. It adds a new important element to the cooperation between Lebanon and Italy.

During the signature, Italian Ambassador to Lebanon, Massimo Marotti, stressed that "in any democratic system the use of the media, the improvement of technologies and the introduction of modern patterns to develop the regulatory framework are all part of a key process to better serve the citizens and to strengthen private and public institutions."

Italian AGCOM will offer its support to allow the CNA to enhance its tools to monitor effectively the TV channels and take the challenges of the convergence of media as well as providing guidance and support regarding any legal changes concerning the media sector taking place in the EU, a statement by the Italian Embassy in Beirut indicated

Source: AFP