20 ORLOVSKAYA ISKRA v. RUSSIA JUDGMENT significance during elections. At the same time, this protection should not obstruct the media in carrying out their work. 3. Editorial independence Regulatory frameworks on media coverage of elections should respect the editorial independence of the media. Member states should ensure that there is an effective and manifest separation between the exercise of control of media and decision making as regards media content and the exercise of political authority or influence. ... 5. Professional and ethical standards of the media All media are encouraged to develop self-regulatory frameworks and incorporate self-regulatory professional and ethical standards regarding their coverage of election campaigns, including, inter alia, respect for the principles of human dignity and nondiscrimination. These standards should reflect their particular roles and responsibilities in democratic processes. 6. Transparency of, and access to, the media If the media accept paid political advertising, regulatory or self-regulatory frameworks should ensure that such advertising is readily recognisable as such. Where media is owned by political parties or politicians, member states should ensure that this is made transparent to the public. ... II. Measures concerning broadcast media ... 5. Paid political advertising In member states where political parties and candidates are permitted to buy advertising space for election purposes, regulatory frameworks should ensure that all contending parties have the possibility of buying advertising space on and according to equal conditions and rates of payment. Member states may consider introducing a provision in their regulatory frameworks to limit the amount of political advertising space and time which a given party or candidate can purchase. Regular presenters of news and current affairs programmes should not take part in paid political advertising.” B. Venice Commission 1. Opinion no. 657/2011 54. Opinion no. 657/2011 by the European Commission for Democracy Through Law (the Venice Commission), on the Federal Law on the Election of the Deputies of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, adopted by the Council for Democratic Elections at its 40th meeting (Venice, 15 March