European Bodies Speak out for Press Freedom and Quality Media

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) has welcomed the adoption of texts on media independence by the Council of Europe and by the European Parliament.

"We welcome the fact that at the same moment, both the European Parliament and the Council of Europe adopted texts defending press freedom and journalism as a public good", said EFJ President Arne König. "It shows to journalists and to the public that there is genuine concern for the problem. It is now up to the national authorities to fulfil their duties".

In a recommendation on "Public Service Media Governance" adopted on 16 February, the Council of Europe called on member states to strengthen editorial and operational independence of public broadcasters and other public service media. This recommendation is particularly important for state broadcasters that have not made their transition into genuine public service bodies or for public broadcasters that are put under the influence or the control of government.  The recommendation proposes guiding principles in terms of independence, accountability, effective management, responsiveness, responsibility, transparency and openness. It also underlines the need for gender-awareness and cultural diversity training and the creation of a diverse workforce with the necessary skills.

On the same day, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on threats to democracy, the rule of law and human rights in Hungary. The resolution asks that the freedom and pluralism of the media should be "guaranteed by the letter and the implementation of the Hungarian Media Law". This resolution came as journalists and media in Hungary are subject to political pressure in the country and as several examples of censorship took place over the past months.

Many journalists across Europe work under the threat of political interference and they lack the conditions needed to work in a professional and ethical environment.

The EFJ is the European group of the International Federation of Journalists
The EFJ represents over 260,000 journalists in 30 countries
For more information contact the EFJ at +32 2 235.2200