Silencing Voices in Italy: The Erosion of Media Freedom - Article

Italy's media is in crisis, battling legal onslaughts and facing a surge of censorship one year after the establishment of the far-right government led by Giorgia Meloni

By Sielke Kelner

(Originally published by Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung , 16.01.2024)

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  

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

Turkey: International groups condemn broadcast regulator role in punishing critical reporting ahead of elections - Article

OBCT joins press freedom and human rights organizations in condemning Turkey's broadcast regulator (RTÜK) for fining broadcasters for their critical reporting ahead of elections

Germany: Misuse of funds at RBB highlights need for greater accountability in publicly funded media - Article

The partners of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) denounce the obvious misuse of public funds by Patricia Schlesinger, former director of Berlin’s public broadcaster Radio Berlin Brandenburg (RBB). We welcome her instant dismissal while demanding a thorough investigation and calling for improved accountability in publicly funded media

Czech Republic: Independence of public broadcasters must be insulated against future attacks - Article

Recent boost in press freedom should drive legislative reform for public service media

Slovenia: MFRR welcomes end to STA funding crisis - Article

A deal signed on 8 November restored state funding to STA for the rest of the year and agreed to a court settlement on overdue back payments. However, MFRR partners raise concerns that UKOM's oversight of STA's financial activities could infringe on editorial independence, while the deal could weaken the financial sustainability of STA in the long term

Urgent solution needed as Slovenian Press Agency funding crisis passes 250 days - Article

Several media freedom organizations and journlalists' unions call on UKOM and the government of Prime Minister Janša to immediately end the economic suffocation of the STA

Italy: Access to information law should not override protection of journalistic sources - Article

On 18 June 2021, the Administrative Court of Lazio (TAR Lazio) ordered the Italian Media Public Broadcaster (RAI) to release documents held by TV Program Report following an access to information request

Slovenia: serious concerns over proposed changes to public service media - Article

A letter to the Prime Minister, to the Minister of Culture, to the President of the Republic and to the Speaker of the National Assembly urges Slovenian authorities to ensure that all voices and viewpoints are carefully considered during the consultation process of the proposed changes to the funding of public service media, a package of amendments to three media laws that has the potential to weaken the public broadcaster