Due to the cancellation of the first MSI-REF meeting scheduled for 18-19 March 2020, owing to the Covid-19 outbreak, the members of the Committee of experts on media environment and reform began their work with an exchange of views via videoconference. The MSI-REF was tasked with preparing three documents, a draft recommendation to member States on guiding principles for media and communication governance, a draft recommendation to member States on election communication and media coverage of election campaigns and a guidance note on the prioritization of public interest content.

The members discussed the key elements to be addressed in the documents and the working methods of the Committee. The preparation of outlines and first drafts will be facilitated by the use of an online collaborative workspace which will be open to interested participants and observers. The second meeting of MSI-REF will be scheduled for September in Strasbourg.