Suspending operations for a period of 3 to 12 months when linking a current affairs-political television program that impacts national interests in Vietnam

Suspending operations for a period of 3 to 12 months when linking a current affairs-political television program that impacts national interests in Vietnam​ (Illustrative image)

Article 19 Decree 119/2020/ND-CP stipulates the penalties for violations regarding partnerships in press activities in Vietnam as follows:

- A fine of 5,000,000 VND to 10,000,000 VND for partnering in the production of programs, radio channels, television channels, printed newspapers, printed magazines, electronic newspapers, electronic magazines outside the permitted scope.

- A fine of 30,000,000 VND to 50,000,000 VND for any of the following acts:

• Engaging in joint activities that exceed 30% of the total number of radio channels, television channels licensed for production in cases where the entire channel is partnered.
• Partnering in the production of copyrighted entertainment programs, television games, reality television shows, foreign program scripts without localization, not conforming to Vietnamese customs and traditions.
• Conducting partnership activities to produce programs on radio channels, television channels serving political tasks, essential propaganda information, general political and current affairs channels with a duration exceeding 30% of the total first broadcast duration of these channels.

- A fine of 70,000,000 VND to 100,000,000 VND for partnering in the production of political and current affairs radio and television programs.

- A fine of 150,000,000 VND to 200,000,000 VND for partnering in the production of programs, radio channels, television channels, printed newspapers, printed magazines, electronic newspapers, electronic magazines with content that affects national interests but does not reach the level of criminal liability.

In addition to fines, certain acts may also result in the confiscation of administrative violation evidence; mandatory correction and apology.

Particularly, suspension of activities from 3 months to 12 months for engaging in partnership activities concerning political and current affairs radio and television programs; partnering in the production of programs, radio channels, television channels, printed newspapers, printed magazines, electronic newspapers, electronic magazines with content that affects national interests but does not reach the level of criminal liability.

Details can be found at Decree 119/2020/ND-CP, effective from December 01, 2020.

Le Vy

>> CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE IN VIETNAMESE