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

Poland: International support for TOK FM amidst regulatory pressure - Article

OBCT joins media freedom and journalist organisations in expressing concern over the licence renewal for Polish TOK FM 

Slovenia: Media freedom groups welcome court ruling on RTV SLO reform - Article

OBCT together with MFRR partners welcomes the decision of the Slovenian Constitutional Court to approve the reform of Radiotelevizija Slovenija (RTV SLO) 

Media pluralism in a legal limbo in Serbia - Article

The allocation of national broadcasting frequencies in Serbia highlights the lack of transparency and pluralism in the sector. Frequencies are only awarded to government-friendly media. Concerns have been expressed by both the European Commission and the European Parliament

By Massimo Moratti

Originally published by OBCT, also available in ITA

Slovenia: Media freedom groups back legislative efforts to depoliticise public media - Article

We welcome the initiative of the Slovenian coalition government to reduce the influence of politics over RTV SLO. The draft proposal is an important first step towards the depoliticisation of the broadcaster

Czech Republic: Media freedom groups urge MPs to pass media act amendment - Article

The passing of this reform package is needed to help protect independence of public broadcasters from future attacks. Czech translation is available below

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