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[3 June 2010] - Television channels in Bulgaria that broadcast reality shows featuring children will be punished severely and will have to pay serious fines, newspaper Bulgarian Novinar has reported, citing draft amendments to the Television and Radio Act approved by the Parliamentary Culture Committee commission. If television channels flout the rule, they will get an initial fine ranging from 15,000 to 30,000 leva ($9,300 - 18,500). A repeat offence will cost the channel up to 60,000 leva ($37,000), the report said... The latest such show in Bulgaria – Big Brother Family – was steeped in controversy even before its launch on March 22 2010 because of the inclusion of children. At the launch of the new Big Brother, five children were included. According to the show's official website, the oldest boy was seven, also appearing was a six year old boy, two girls aged four and the youngest one, also a girl, was only two-and-a-half years old. Echoing objections from child protection groups, GERB MPs Daniela Mitkova, Dian Chervenkondev and Yoanna Kirova want the law changed so that children under 18 are barred from participating in such shows as part of an amendment to the Radio and Television Act. Further information
pdf: http://sofiaecho.com/2010/06/03/911054_bulgarian-tv-channels-featuring-c...Association: Sofia Echo