Key recommendations

General Recommendations

1. Encourage Broad Participation in Consultations:

• Emphasise the importance of organisations participating in consultations both individually and within coalitions to increase the impact of submissions.

• Highlight that the more times certain points are mentioned in submissions, the higher the priority these points will have.

1. Promote Joint Inputs and Coordination:

• Encourage organisations to submit joint inputs as supporting files, ensuring a unified approach to advocating for key points.

1. Use Advocacy Tools Effectively:

• Advocate for the distribution of a master resource document and toolkit to support advocacy related to the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and Democracy Shield.

• Ensure that submissions, even individual ones, are shared widely and that they align with a collective advocacy strategy.

1. Raise Awareness Around Key Dates:

• Take advantage of significant dates such as World Press Freedom Day (May 3rd) and News Media Day (September) to amplify advocacy efforts and coordinate contributions.

1. Engage Non-Traditional Stakeholders:

• Actively reach out to groups not typically involved in media advocacy, including advertisers, corporate donors, and those investing in digital infrastructure, to ensure long-term security for alternative spaces.

1. Leverage Media and Journalists:

• Create opportunities for journalists and media outlets to contribute to the advocacy efforts, particularly through publications that address the core issues raised during the consultation process.

1. Strengthen Long-Term, Proactive Advocacy:

• Focus on developing long-term strategies for media advocacy, ensuring a broader and more sustained impact on policy changes.

Specific Recommendations for policy engagement

1. Emphasise the Global Scope of Support:

• Ensure that global support, including for the European neighborhood, is considered in negotiations and advocacy, ensuring comprehensive international engagement.

1. Focus on Urgency and Timing:

• Acknowledge the urgency of the pre-negotiation phase of the MFF process and the importance of submitting inputs promptly to influence decision-making.

1. Ensure Comprehensive Input from All Stakeholders:

• Encourage all relevant stakeholders, including those from diverse regions, to contribute to the consultation process, ensuring that all viewpoints are represented.

Recommendations for Advocacy and Outreach

1. Create Joint Contributions for World Press Freedom Day:

• Formulate joint contributions for World Press Freedom Day to address the current media landscape, using the master resource document to guide the messaging.

1. Develop Long-Term Campaigns for Media Advocacy:

• Use the opportunity provided by events like News Media Day in September to foster a proactive media campaign that addresses the evolving challenges faced by the media sector.

1. Engage with Non-Usual Stakeholders:

• Seek collaborations with sectors such as corporate donors, advertisers, and digital infrastructure developers to build long-term, secure funding for independent media initiatives.

1. Promote Cross-Border Collaboration:

• Encourage collaboration between media organisations across different countries, especially those in the MENA region, to promote shared learning and mutual support.

Sector-Specific Recommendations

1. Provide Targeted Media Support:

• Prioritise media support initiatives that focus on the specific needs of journalists and media outlets in conflict zones or areas with limited freedom of the press.

1. Develop Emergency Funding Mechanisms:

• Establish rapid response funding mechanisms for media organisations in crisis situations to ensure they can continue operations during emergencies or conflicts.

1. Enhance Security and Protection for Journalists:

• Update tools and resources to protect journalists in conflict zones, including advanced training in digital security and anonymous reporting techniques.

1. Strengthen Media Freedom Advocacy:

• Advocate for the decriminalisation of defamation laws and strengthen the protection of journalists in regions with restrictive media environments.