Joint Letters, Policy Briefs and other resources
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Coalition calls for effective implementation as the Parliament adopts the European Media Freedom Act (March 13, 2024)
The European Parliament has adopted today the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA). The working group on EMFA (part of the wider EU Media Advocacy Working Group) has launched a joint letter calling for effective implementation of the European Media Freedom Act. While the EMFA is setting a crucial baseline, the 21 organisations signing the letter call for further action from Member States, regulatory bodies and the Commission, urging them to strengthen safeguards for journalists' rights and media pluralism beyond minimum standards and to collaborate closely with media and civil society stakeholders for the EMFA's effective implementation. Undersigned organisations stand ready to support in this effort to ensure a resilient press landscape across the EU. For more information or to join the EMFA working group please contact advocacy@gfmd.info
This brochure gathers the positions of a coalition of organisations within the journalism support, media development, digital rights, media freedom, and wider democracy support communities, that have coordinated their advocacy efforts through the EU Media Advocacy Group.
The brochure was presented during the "Briefing Breakfast on the European Media Freedom Act" in September 27th.
The article discusses the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) proposal, aiming to protect media independence and pluralism in the EU, includes a 'media pluralism test.' Karim Ibourki and Mark Dempsey advocate for improvements, particularly at the Board level. They emphasize the need for the European Board of Media Services to have increased independence, the ability to initiate assessments on media mergers independently, and clear guidelines for consistent application of the proposed criteria. The authors stress the importance of transparency, collaboration with national regulatory authorities, and sufficient resources for the Board to effectively implement the EMFA.
EDRi, alongside media organizations, publishers and journalists, has consistently advocated for a total ban on spyware within the European Media Freedom Act. Recognizing the grave threat it poses to journalistic independence and citizens' privacy, this open letter demonstrates the commitment to upholding democratic values and safeguarding the rights of journalists. The open letter underscores a commitment to fostering a media environment free from invasive surveillance, promoting transparency, accountability, and the preservation of fundamental democratic principles.
Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs Directorate-General for Internal Policies
This study, requested by the LIBE committee, analyses the European Media Freedom Act proposal. It provides a political and historical overview of EU policies in the field of media and on information society at large, also taking into account the debate regarding EU competences on media pluralism and media freedom. The study reasons on the legal basis of the proposed Act, and then analyses the provisions of it under each of the Chapters of the Act, based on relevant academic literature, policy documents, and empirical data. Based on its research, the study concludes by offering policy recommendations: First, it supports proactive EU-level intervention to safeguard media freedom and pluralism. Second, it suggests improvements to the EMFA, including inclusivity, transparency, and independence in its implementation. Third, the study addresses additional issues impacting media systems, such as strengthening political independence, creating a balanced digital environment for media content providers, and providing financial support to journalism as a public good.
This report published by the European Audiovisual Observatory provides a comprehensive overview of the EMFA and highlights it's primary objective to contribute to the functioning of the internal media market, which is grounded in the principles of democracy and the rule of law. The report delves into the legal foundation of the EMFA, rooted in the internal market clause of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). The authors explore the fundamental questions that the legal basis has raised, particularly concerning the division of powers between the EU and its Member States. This discussion is underscored by the legal action raised by Hungary before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), seeking the annulment the EMFA. It further provides a detailed analysis of the various provisions of the EMFA, including rights of users and recipients, regulations for media service providers, and the role of public service media. It also examines the relationship between digital platforms and media, as well as rules governing market concentration with a key focus on the cooperation between national media authorities and the institutional replacement of the European Regulators Group for Audiovisual Media Services (ERGA) with the European Board for Media Services.
