Euractiv: Give Teeth to the European Media Freedom Act!

Euractiv

“Seen from Berlin, the European Media Freedom Act currently under negotiation does not need to give the European Commission any authority on media regulation, but countries in Eastern Europe and EU hopefuls in the Balkans want legislation with teeth, writes Antoinette Nikolova.

The European Media Freedom Act is in an advanced stage of the legislative process. This legislation is critical in promoting a free and independent media landscape, and ensuring that journalists and media publishers can work independently, without fear of reprisals from illiberal-minded governments with authoritarian tendencies.

The proposed changes include creating a European Media Board as a regulator, harmonizing rules and procedures, promoting editorial independence, and ensuring fair funding for public broadcasting.

If the Media Freedom Act is approved, it could disrupt the playbook of authoritarian regimes that have controlled public service media and improve the media environment for journalists and media publishers. The outcome of this discussion is highly anticipated, as it could have a significant impact on media freedom in Europe.”