Media freedom, independence and diversity

Free, independent and pluralistic media based on freedom of information and expression is a core element of any functioning democracy. Freedom of the media is in fact essential for the protection of all other human rights. Instances of torture, discrimination, corruption or misuse of power many times have come to light because of the work of investigative journalists. Making the facts known to the public is often the first, essential step to start redressing human rights violations and hold governments accountable.

Worrying signals of repression and violations of media freedom can be observed in a number of European states. Different forms of control and pressure over the variety and content of media hamper their independence and pluralism. Cases of journalists who are deprived of their liberty because of their work continue to occur. Cases of harassment, intimidation, violence - and even murder - have been documented.
During his country visits and continuous dialogue with national authorities, media professionals and civil society, the Commissioner gathers information, identifies shortcomings and provides advice on ways to improve media freedom and the protection of journalist. He also supports initiatives aimed at strengthening media professionalism and ethical journalism and the establishment of self-regulatory mechanisms.
Book Human rights and a changing media landscape The publication Human rights in a changing media landscape aims at raising awareness about the need and importance of free, independent and pluralistic media for democratic societies. It also points to the strong connection between media freedom and the protection of human rights. The Commissioner invited eight experts to give their personal assessments of six topics and how they relate to human rights: protection of journalists from violence; ethical journalism; access to official documents; media pluralism; public service media; and social media and human rights. In a foreword the Commissioner gives an overview of the trends on these issues in Europe. "These contributions show that there is a need for stronger protection of media freedom and freedom of expression in Europe today. I hope this book will serve as a spotlight on current challenges", said the Commissioner in connection with the launch of the publication in London in December 2011. See the photos

Resources

Issue Discussion Papers

Opinion of the Commissioner for Human Rights on Hungary's media legislation in light of Council of Europe standards on freedom of the media (CommDH(2011)10, 25.02.2011)

Contribution to OSCE 2010 Review Conference : protection of journalists, defamation, media diversity, ethical journalism. (Warsaw, 30 September- 8 October 2010)

Video

Video of the Open discussion: "Protection of journalists in Europe" in original version, in English and in French (5 October 2011) Speakers: Thomas  Hammarberg, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights; Dunja  Mijatović, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media; Sergey Sokolov, Deputy Editor in Chief of Novaya Gazeta

Positions on freedom of the media A summary of conclusions and recommendations concerning freedom of the media, based on the Commissioner's country monitoring and thematic reports, issue papers, recommendations, opinions and viewpoints.