#MediaFreedom: We Urge EU Policy Makers To Strengthen Media Freedom

Peace institute together with Liberties joins open letter by 40-plus journalist, media freedom groups asking Members of the European Parliament to support a strong Media Freedom Act.

Independent media is under growing economic and political pressure.  This is why 40+ NGOs joined to reiterate their full support for a strong European Media Freedom Act (#EMFA).

What is the issue?

❗️ Many journalists throughout the EU find themselves in increasingly captured media markets, where independent voices are sidelined due to economic pressure. 

❗️ Journalists and media outlets struggle for financial viability.

❗️ Critical media outlets are often vilified by politicians.

❗️ Access to financial resources is limited.

❗️ Politically influenced media takeovers create an imbalanced media system.

#EMFA should address these issues & protect free media by outlining European standards on 

✅ freedom from editorial interference & illegal #surveillance, 

✅ guaranteeing media pluralism, 

✅ providing greater #transparency on ownership & state financing,

✅ ending the abuse of state funds to create clientelist media, 

✅ protecting the independence of public service media and the independence of national regulatory authorities, and  

✅ ensuring there is an economic environment in which independent journalism can flourish.

40+ orgs call on Members of the European Parliament @EPCulture, @EP_SingleMarket and @EP_Justice involved in the debate to ensure that the #EMFA will fulfill its potential and become a strong regulation establishing harmonized legal safeguards across Europe.