Multimedia

Silencing the Fourth Estate: Italy’s democratic drift

03/09/2024

On July 29, Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT), the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), and the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) hosted a webinar to mark the publication of the final report following the MFRR mission to Rome.

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Media freedom in Romania ahead of Super Election Year

11/04/2024

On April 4 2024, the International Press Institute (IPI), Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT) and the Media Freedom Rapid Response hosted a webinar to mark the publication of a major report assessing press freedom and independent journalism in Romania

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Towards a European society equipped to respond to SLAPPs

20/10/2023

The anti-SLAPP proposed directive and the anti-SLAPP Recommendations adopted by the EC in April 2022 signal an increased awareness of the need for effective policy and practical tools to counter vexatious lawsuits against public participation. By exploring existing challenges and viable approaches to counter gag lawsuits, the panel tries to identify effective models to strengthen resilience and foster cooperation among relevant actors, such as journalists, activists and legal practitioners.

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European Media Freedom Act

21/10/2023

The panel explores the innovations included in the European Media Freedom Act, focussing on how the challenging attempt to harmonise the norms and provisions that regulate journalism in the different member states can either promote or curb the free exercise of the profession and the rights to freedom of expression in the European space. From state advertising and state funded media to media ownership, from the protection of editorial independence to anti-surveillance measures, the EMFA addresses contested domains where conflictual political views and economic demands challenge the essence of journalism as a cornerstone of our democracy.

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Ensuring the safety of journalists: the role of law enforcement authorities

21/10/2023

In 2021 the European Commission adopted its Recommendations on the protection, safety and empowerment of journalists calling on Member states to ensure safe working conditions for journalists and media workers. Yet, threats and attacks against journalists remain an issue of concern in many EU member states as well as in candidate countries. The panel investigates the relationship between journalism and law enforcement authorities: on the one hand it will explore the potential for a constructive collaboration, while on the other it will discuss the potential threat that law enforcement authorities may represent when they act in a context of fragile rule of law.

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Interview with Francesco Zambon

17/10/2023

Francesco Zambon was one of the speakers at the first public event of the CASE Italia working group on combating SLAPPs, organised in Rome on 16th October 2023 as part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) project. In this short video, he explains what it means for a whistleblower to be targeted by a multi-million dollar lawsuit.

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Interview with Paolo Borrometi

19/10/2023

Paolo Borrometi was one of the speakers at the international conference dedicated to the rule of law and press freedom organised in Rome on 17th October 2023 as part of the Media MFRR project. During his speech, he presented his experience as a journalist who has been living under police protection for almost 10 years, underlining the importance of independent journalism for a free and democratic society.

Learn more about the international conference on OBCT's dedicated dossier .

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Interview with Srdan Kosović

19/10/2023

Srdan Kosović was one of the speakers at the international conference dedicated to the rule of law and press freedom organised in Rome on 17th October 2023 as part of the MFRR project. In this video, he underlines the importance of listening to and sharing the stories of colleagues who have suffered attacks and threats because of their profession.

Learn more about the international conference on OBCT's dedicated dossier .

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Interview with Emilia Șercan

19/10/2023

Emilia Șercan was one of the speakers at the international conference dedicated to the rule of law and press freedom organised in Rome on 17th October 2023 as part of the MFRR project. In her speech, she underlined the crucial role that law enforcement authorities play in ensuring safe and enabling working conditions for journalists and media workers.

Learn more about the international conference on OBCT's dedicated dossier .

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Interview with Nello Trocchia

17/10/2023

Nello Trocchia was one of the speakers at the first public event of the CASE Italia working group on combating SLAPPs, organised in Rome on 16th October 2023 as part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) project. In this video he explains what it means to be the target of reckless complaints and how much these represent an attack on citizens' right to be informed.

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