European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) - Support Centres

ECPMF offers several support programmes for journalists at risk.

- Journalists-in-Residence programme: The ECPMF’s Journalists-in-Residence (JiR) programme offers temporary shelter for journalists facing harassment and intimidation as a direct result of their work. Journalists get the chance to rest and recuperate in a safe and discreet place, and also to continue their investigative work at their own pace and use their time in Leipzig for networking and finding solidarity. The JiR programme lasts for either three or up to six months, and includes a rent-free furnished apartment in Leipzig, as well as a monthly stipend to cover basic living costs. It also covers travel and visa expenses, health insurance, psychological counselling, and journalism-related training sessions on topics like digital security, mobile reporting and social media management. More info here .

- Legal support: ECPMF offers and coordinates legal support on matters related to free speech for individuals and organisations working in countries located geographically in Europe. More info here .

- Helpdesk: he Helpdesk is ECPMF central tool for responding to the individual needs of journalists at risk and under threat. ECPMF supports media professionals across Europe in order to find a place of safety in emergency cases and we assist exiled journalists in Germany, irrespective of their origin. More info here .

- Women’s Reporting Point: it aims to deepen a gender-specific aspect of the safety of journalists and encourages female media workers to report it if they are subjected to harassment or they witness it in their journalistic work. Reports received are given priority, treated confidentially and are only handled by women staff. More info here .

CMPF E-learning for journalists: Defamation - Training

Mastering notions and legal standards related to defamation is essential for journalists in order to know and protect their rights, in particular their right to freedom of expression. This course offers a knowledge basis regarding relevant notions, national laws, international and European standards

CMPF E-learning for journalists: Investigative Journalism - Training

The aim of this module provided by the Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (CMPF) is to offer a guide through the process of writing an investigative story, from the preparation stage, to data collection and presentation

CMPF E-learning for journalists: Ethics and Security - Training

This online course provided by the Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (CMPF) addresses the dimension of ethics and security in journalistic work

Articles of asphyxiation. Soft censorship in Hungary - Reports

This report highlights the latest developments in the Hungarian media landscape by considering Soft Censorship practices such as state advertising, captured channels, bribery and payments as well as by esaminating regulatory and administrative pressures on the media

Media ownership patterns in post-communist Romania - 5 profiles - Reports

An analysis of the media situation in Romania, released by the Center for Media Transparency, highlights different media models in the country, their relation to politics and the deriving challenges in terms of media pluralism and transparency

Greece's bailout referendum 2015: media coverage and the role of social networks - Reports

An article by a Greek multimedia journalist discusses the media coverage of the critical referendum and the role of social networks in challenging the mainstream narrative

Building digital safety for journalism. A survey of selected issues - Reports

With the rise of digital platforms, ensuring safety for journalists has become even more complex. This UNESCO study of selected challenges addresses digital security for journalism formulating recommendations for governments and journalism contributors

Lies, Damn Lies and Viral Content - Reports

How do news sites handle online rumors, unverified news, and viral content? Craig Silverman discusses what we know, what journalists are doing, and what they should do

Out of balance. Defamation law in the European Union: A comparative overview for journalists, civil society and policymakers - Reports

In this report, the International Press Institute (IPI) presents the findings from its in depth research on defamation law and practice in the European Union