The legal framework for media freedom and pluralism in Croatia is based on the Constitution, the Electronic Media Act and the Media Act. A National Plan for the Development of Culture and Media (2023–2027) was adopted in 2023 and is complemented by an Action Plan (2023-2024). Despite its independent financing, the Agency for Electronic Media faces calls for changes in its appointment procedure to ensure greater transparency and accountability. The report also highlights concerns regarding the Council for Electronic Media’s autonomous functioning.
While media ownership information is available as required by the Electronic Media Act, challenges regarding transparency persist. Under its Recovery and Resilience Plan, the government aims to create a unified register for media ownership information, but media concentration rules remain unchanged. Regarding transparency and fairness of state advertising allocation, the 2023 Rule of Law Report recommended establishing good practices and oversight for public tender procedures. However, gaps remain at the local level, where media outlets’ dependence on state advertising compromises independent coverage.
Regarding HRT, questions on political influence and conflict of interests are often raised. Irregularities in HRT’s business dealings with an external service provider were uncovered after an internal audit in 2023. The government supplemented HRT's funding from the state budget in 2023, but political influence remains a concern due to the parliamentary majority's significant sway over the broadcaster.
Authorities and journalist representatives signed a cooperation agreement to enhance the safety of journalists primarily during public events and protests. This agreement includes protocols for police conduct and media worker safety. Amendments to the Criminal Code were made in March, 2024. Progress has been made in addressing SLAPPs targeting journalists. A survey by the Croatian Association of Journalists revealed that the number of active lawsuits against journalists has significantly decreased from the previous years. Despite such progress, lawsuits with high damages continue to be a cause of concern.
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