will produce a series of children programs for the national television, which for decades served the Communist regime. These productions would have been unthinkable over a decade ago when Romania’s television was seen as the mouthpiece of the regime of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, who was executed on Christmas Day in 1989.
The children programs, which Master Media described as "life changing" will be related to Eastern and Christmas celebrations, and are expected to be aired later this year. Officials made the announcement despite apparent opposition against christian oriented programs in this mainly Orthodox nation of 22 million people.
HOSTILE
In a statement obtained by BosNewsLife, the Bucharest based company said that it wants to continue "Bible oriented and culturally adjusted" programs" in an "indifferent and many times hostile society."
Since starting in 1996, Master Media has already produced several programs including "Heaven amongst us", which is focused on Christian personalities, including artists and politicians. In addition, "Heaven amongst us" also covers events such as festivals and humanitarian activities where Christians are involved.
The productions can be seen on "a network of 10 local TV stations throughout Romania," said Lucian Despa, the executive director of Master Media and a former producer with Romania’s national television.
MAIN CITIES
Officials said the company’s broadcasts can be seen in Romania’s main cities such as Timisoara, Cluj, Lasi, Arad, Pitesti, Sighisoara, Vaslui, Sibiu, Tulcea and Valcea.
With support from Dutch Christians, Master Media’s studio’s have been upgraded to modern technologies, including capturing and processing picture in digital format (DV).
In addition to Christian programs, the company suggested it also wants to advocate religious and ethnical tolerance for pluralism and democracy in post Communist Romania.
FORMER COMMUNISTS
Some Christian leaders have expressed concern about the recent return to power of several former Communists, including current President Ion Iliescu. However "It is our belief that with prayer and support, our dedication and God’s mercy Christian TV work will have a positive and lasting influence in the Romanian society," Master Media representatives said.
