EU media freedom violated new report shows
Violation of media freedom is increasing dramatically in the European Union and EU candidate countries, according to a new Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) Monitoring Report. There were 756 media freedom violations recorded in the first half of 2024 alone in European Union and EU candidate countries. “This figure is higher than that recorded during most previous entire monitoring years”, International Press Institute says.
“The surge in attacks – both physical and legal – against journalists is especially worrisome in the context of the numerous elections held this year.”
“While the 2024 super election cycle should have strengthened democratic processes, the report reveals that elections often magnified the threats against the media,”
“Intimidation, editorial interference, and smear campaigns were commonplace. The data also shows that public officials were behind 143 of the recorded violations”, IPI says.
“Restoring and promoting media freedom is crucial to preserving democracy across Europe and beyond. Governments must halt the enactment of anti-media laws and ensure the safety of journalists, particularly during politically charged periods like elections.”
From the report:
- 756 media freedom violations were recorded, involving 1,212 media-related persons or entities.
- 474 alerts took place in Member States with the remaining 282 occurring in candidate countries.
- Intimidation and threatening were the most common forms of violations, totalling 136 of all violations.
- The MFRR recorded 100 physical attacks, 47 of which resulted in injury.
- The second most common form of violation involved blocking journalistic activity, making up 117 alerts.
- 143 violations were perpetrated by government and public officials, marking a worrying trend.
- 24.6% of alerts took place online, making it the most common context in which media freedom violations took place.
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