Media

Albania’s declining media freedom won’t impact EU accession

The European Commission has said it will not require Albania to withdraw plans for a controversial law that would bring all online media under state supervision in order to open EU accession negotiations.

Ex-BBC chief regrets departure from Balkans amid media decline

Amid growing state media capture and decreased journalistic freedom in the Western Balkans, a former chief of the BBC World Service said on Tuesday (12 October) he regrets the closure of the world’s largest international broadcaster in the region.

EU media watchdogs and associations urge Greece to protect press freedom

Greece is urged to withdraw proposed amendments that would introduce fines and jail sentences for journalists found guilty of publishing “false news”.

The erosion of media freedom in the Balkans has gone too far

The EU is supposed to embody the values of liberty, democracy and fundamental human rights. But when it comes to media freedom, it is a passive observer in the face of widespread abuses on its own turf and in its immediate neighbourhood, writes Antoinette Nikolova.

Journalists who took on Putin and Duterte win 2021 Nobel Peace Prize

Two journalists whose work has angered the authorities in Russia and the Philippines won this year's Nobel Peace Prize on Friday (8 October) for their “courageous fight for freedom of expression”.

Media freedom for the digital age

Digital technologies and the rise of online platforms have reshaped how we produce, share and consume news, but the concept of media freedom has seen comparatively little change.

Jourová calls for cross-border media cooperation

“No journalist should die or be harmed for doing their job,” European Commission Vice-President for values and transparency Věra Jourová has said, as the EU prepared to centre the safety of journalists at an upcoming European News Media Forum in November.

EU plan to protect journalists from malicious lawsuits moves forward

The European Commission initiated on Monday (4 October) a public consultation on its plan to protect journalists and human rights defenders from litigation designed to curtail their work.

Russia announces retaliation over RT YouTube ban

Russia is threatening to retaliate against German media and Youtube after the latter permanently deleted the account of the German offshoot of Russia Today (RT) for repeatedly breaking community guidelines on disinformation.  EURACTIV Germany reports.

Slovenia news agency chief resigns over government pressure

The head of Slovenia's STA news agency resigned Thursday (30 September), accusing the government of attempting "to subordinate the agency" by withholding funding.

French publishers close to launch collective negotiations on neighbouring rights

French publishers are close to launching a new body to collectively negotiate with online platforms, while the dispute with Google raises fundamental questions on how to monetise online content.

Commission launches recommendation on safety of journalists

European Commission Vice President for Values and Transparency Věra Jourová presented on Thursday (16 September) a Recommendation on the Safety of Journalists, urging EU countries to address security concerns in an environment increasingly hostile towards the media.

Digital Brief powered by Facebook: Nvidia seeks clearance, Germany’s conflicting views, DMA & DSA Council updates

Welcome to EURACTIV’s Digital Brief, your weekly update on all things digital in the EU. You can subscribe to the newsletter here.    “We are working through the regulatory process and we look forward to engaging with the European Commission to address...

Facebook’s plan to cut back on political content sets up Orbán for re-election 

By cutting back on political content, Facebook is taking the responsibility to further distort political competition in countries like Hungary, where media pluralism has been severely hit by the ruling parties. Such a move could help Prime Minister Viktor Orbán secure another term in power, argues Anna Donath.

Court orders Slovenia government to fund under-fire news agency

Slovenia's Supreme Court ruled Monday (6 September) that the conservative government must resume financing of the country's only news agency STA, which it halted during a row over its management and reporting.

Digital Brief: Big Tech, Big Lobbying, Ireland’s fine, politics-free Facebook

Welcome to EURACTIV’s Digital Brief, your weekly update on all things digital in the EU. You can subscribe to the newsletter here.    “The Commission is open to meeting anyone who wishes to speak to us. The Commission does not, and will...

Jourová meets Polish PM amid tension on rule of law, media freedom

European Commissioner for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, visited Poland on Monday and Tuesday (30-31 August), as tensions remain high over rule of law and media freedom in the biggest eastern member state.

Digital Brief powered by Facebook: US national (cyber)security, UK tech superpower bid

Welcome to EURACTIV’s Digital Brief, your weekly update on all things digital in the EU. You can subscribe to the newsletter here.    “I’ve invited you all here today because you have the power, the capacity, and the responsibility, I believe, to...

German publisher Axel Springer to acquire US news website Politico

Axel Springer said on Thursday (26 August) it will acquire US political news website Politico, as the German publisher stitches together a global network of digital news operations.

Russia brands independent TV channel ‘foreign agent’

Russia on Friday (20 August) added independent TV channel Dozhd (TV Rain) to a growing list of "foreign agent" media outlets as liberal organisations face mounting pressure in the country.

Serbian President fumes as Twitter exposes his ‘friendly media’

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has compared himself to Donald Trump as a politician victimized by Twitter, after the social media took the decision to tag many of the media organisations which support him as “pro-government”.

Top businessman to face trial for Malta journalist’s murder

One of Malta’s wealthiest businessmen, Yorgen Fenech, has been indicted for the murder of anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, prosecutors said in court documents filed on Wednesday (18 August). No date for the trial has yet been set.

Discovery group threatens legal action over Polish media law

US group Discovery has threatened legal action against Poland if it approves a controversial media ownership law that the opposition says will curb press freedom.

Brussels slams Polish bill, urges EU media freedom act

European Commision vice-president for values and transparency Vera Jourová slammed Poland's planned new media law on Thursday and called for an EU act to protect press freedom.