Media freedom: MEPs call for annual EU monitoring of member states’ media laws

0

Investigative journalism should be supported in the EU and media independence protected from political and economic pressures, says the Civil Liberties Committee in a resolution on media freedom voted on Thursday. MEPs want annual EU-wide monitoring of media laws and measures, both to protect media freedom and to help prevent excessive media concentration.

The media are a “public watchdog” in a democracy, MEPs stress, calling on the EU and its member states to respect and protect the fundamental right to freedom of expression and freedom of the media. This right is not restricted to the traditional media – it also applies to the social media and other new media vehicles, underlines the resolution.

Monitoring media laws

Changes in media laws and their impact on government interference in the media should be monitored yearly by the European Commission, the Fundamental Rights Agency and/or the European University Institute (EUI) Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom, proposes the committee.

Their findings should be published in an annual report and followed by proposals for action, it adds. Here to read more.

Share this article!
Share.

About Author

Leave A Reply