Independence of Slovakia’s leading TV news channel must be protected - Article

OBCT joins the undersigned members of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) in expressing concern about the actions of the Slovak government towards Slovakia’s leading commercial broadcaster, TV Markíza, aimed at silencing its critical journalism. We call on Markíza’s owners, the Central European Media Enterprises (CME), to resist the pressure and guarantee the editorial independence of the newsroom

North Macedonia, media and public funds - Article

In view of the upcoming political and presidential elections, the Macedonian government has reintroduced forms of public funding for the media. However, the country's media organisations argue that the move may aggravate the influence of political interests on news outlets

By Aleksandar Samardjiev 

Originally published by OBCT, also available in ITA

Poland: Recommendations for democratic reform for press freedom and public media - Article

OBCT joins MFRR partners in renewing their recommendations to the new Polish government to improve the media freedom situation in the country in line with democratic values and the rule of law  

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Republika Srpska president Dodik verbally attacks journalist - Article

OBCT joins partner organisations of the MFRR and South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) in condemning Milorad Dodik's verbal attacks and threats against N1 journalist Snezana Mitrović 

Also available in ITA

Italy: MFRR partners condemn summons of RAI presenter Sigfrido Ranucci - Article

OBCT, together with MFRR parteners, condemns the summoning of RAI presenter Sigfrido Ranucci by the Parliamentary Committee and urges the Italian Parliament to guarantee RAI independence

Also available in ITA

Serbia: MFRR and SafeJournalists call on state institutions to address threats to journalists - Article

OBCT joins MFRR and SafeJournalists Network's partners in expressing concern about the rising threats targeting Serbian presenter Nenad Kulacin and in urging authorities to persecute the perpetrators

Media freedom at a crossroads: Journalism in Poland faces uncertain future ahead of election - Article

MFRR partners organised a mission in Poland to assess the challenges that Polish media face ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled on the 15th of October 2023. The main findings and a set of recommendations in their newly published report

Kosovo: Media freedom groups welcome Klan Kosova court injunction decision - Article

OBCT joins international media freedom organisations in welcoming the decision of the Kosovar Commercial Court blocking the suspension of Klan Kosova business licence 

Turkey: International groups condemn attack against journalist Sinan Aygül - Article

OBCT joins international media freedom, freedom of expression, and human rights organizations in calling on authorities to take all measures to ensure safety of journalists and hold all responsible to account

Italy: International Media freedom groups raise alarm about RAI's independence - Article

OBCT joins media freedom and journalist organisations in expressing their alarm over the recent politically-influenced internal management changes at the Italian public service broadcaster

Also available in ITA