Most measures of the “Media Freedom Act,” the European regulation on media freedom, will come into full effect on 8 August, and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) insists that each member state ensures its legislation complies with the new regulation.
The Act, proposed by the Commission and later adopted by the European Parliament, was praised for its aim to protect an independent and pluralistic press from the power of private groups and government interference. Concerns addressed by the Commission include media concentration in the private sector and pressures on editorial teams in some countries, whether through advertising contracts or the appointment of public media directors by authorities. This came shortly after the “Pegasus” spyware scandal, where software developed by an Israeli company was used by Hungary to monitor journalists.
Officially approved in March 2024, the European regulation represents significant progress, according to a statement from Reporters Without Borders on Wednesday. However, the organisation laments that “its implementation at the national level has been delayed due to insufficient political will from member states.”
The regulation requires several “essential” adaptations of national laws. RSF highlights Article 4, mandating member states to ensure “journalistic sources and confidential communications are effectively protected.” It also stresses that “member states, including their national authorities and regulatory bodies, must not interfere in or attempt to influence the editorial policies and decisions of media service providers.”
The subsequent article enshrines the “editorial and functional” independence of public service media.
“The regulation aims to address press freedom issues in countries where media is under relentless attack, but all member states must assess their compliance,” says Thibaut Bruttin, Director-General of Reporters Without Borders.
To compel states to align with the regulation and apply it concretely, RSF urges the Commission to initiate infringement procedures if necessary. There must be a “swift and proactive mobilisation of national and European authorities to ensure the rights, principles, and freedoms that the EMFA seeks to protect are effectively upheld.”
