Access to Information Day: Blocking of freedom of information requests must be reported - Article

28 September is International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI), as announced at the UN in 2015. The right to access information is the foundation of all democratic processes and societies. Any obstacle in this field directly impacts the work of journalists and society’s right to be informed. Documentation of violations targeting this right from a media freedom perspective draws attention to this notion and contributes to transparency and journalistic freedom

By Gürkan Özturan, ECPMF Monitoring Officer

Originally published by MFRR

SafeJournalists and MFRR: Smear campaigns against independent media and civil society organizations must stop - Article

SafeJournalists Network and organizations of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) strongly condemn the attacks on the Council of Media Ethics of Albania (KSHM) and the think tank - Center Science and Innovation for Development (SCiDEV) that has issued a shadow report on media freedom in Albania, as well as on researcher Blerjana Bino

Slovakia: Fico sues editor for use of photo - Article

Slovakia’s Prime Minister launches SLAPP case against leading investigative journalist

Spain: barrage of online intimidation against journalists threatens safety - Article

CEO threatens journalists investigating his eviction company’s practices

The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) consortium condemns the online intimidation of investigative journalists working for La Sexta TV by Daniel Esteve, CEO of the eviction company Desokupa. Esteve's harassment and threats to reveal personal information put the journalists’ safety at great risk. We call on the Spanish authorities to take immediate action to protect them.

Croatia: Major challenges ahead to improve media freedom - Article

The international media freedom mission to Croatia has highlighted several significant concerns regarding media law reform, transparency of state advertising, and the safety of journalists including SLAPPs. While some promising initiatives have been noted, the path is still long ahead for Croatia to ensure a free and independent media landscape

Press freedom on trial in Greece: support Alterthess' appeal - Article

The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) consortium expresses its full support for Greek journalist Stavroula Poulimeni and media outlet Alterthess ahead of their appeal on 19 September 2024

Journalist Association of India (JAI) - Support Centres

JAI is a Non-Profit and Non-Govt. organization which fights to protect freedom of speech and expression. It represents journalists in all sectors of media. It focuses on promoting independent and quality journalism.

Protection of Freedom of Speech: Promotes media freedom within the country and world wide. It documents attacks on journalists and dangerous environments for the press.
Welfare: Provides legal and financial support to journalists.
Training: JAI organizes coaching, feedback sessions, and seminars to improve the proficiency of journalists, editors, writers,and others in the media industry.
Promotes Diversity: Works for the representation of women and minorities therefore enhancing pluralism.
Encourages the free flow of information.
Media Concentration: JAI monitors the impact of media conglomerates and advocates for the preservation of media ownership controls.

Contact:

Dr H K Sethi, Secretary General

Email: journalistassociationofindia@gmail.com

Free Speech Collective (FSC) - Support Centres

The Free Speech Collective was founded in 2018. It is a collaborative initiative composed of individuals from various backgrounds like journalists, activists, lawyers and academics. The main aim of the collective is to  protect the right to freedom of expression, promote free speech and the right to dissent. 

Monitoring: FSC tracks violations of free speech and categorizes them, besides tracking the status of the case.

Analyzing trends: Based on the monitoring and documentation of violations, it  regularly publishes trends, developments, news alerts and briefs.

Solidarity and Support: FSC provides support and solidarity to individual journalists, bloggers, activists, artists and performers and organizations that face attacks on their freedom of expression and campaign against violations.

Email:  freespeechcollectiveindia@gmail.com

Press Council of India (PCI) - Stakeholders

The Press Council of India is an autonomous body established by the Government of India under the Press Council Act, 1978. PCI aims to help newspapers and news agencies to maintain their independence; to build up a code of conduct of newspapers, news agencies and journalists in accordance with high professional standards,to keep under review any development likely to restrict the supply and dissemination of news of public interest and importance.

Investigates Complaints: PCI sets standards for journalistic ethics and conducts and investigates complaints against journalists.

Safeguarding Press Freedom: Protection of freedom of speech and expression and  ensures that the press is not unduly influenced by the government or other powerful entities.

Resolution of Disputes: PCI acts as a mediator in disputes between journalists and the public, helping to maintain trust between the press and the people it serves.

Issues Advisories: The PCI issues advisories to the press on matters related to journalistic ethics and conduct.

Address: Press Council of India Sansad Marg New Delhi, 110001 India
Phone Numbers: +91-11-23095929 +91-11-23095930 +91-11-23095931

Media freedom groups alarmed by escalating death threats against journalist Murat Ağırel - Article

Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT) and undersigned press freedom and freedom of expression groups strongly condemn the ongoing and intensifying threats against prominent Turkish journalist Murat Ağırel.