The Council of Europe’s Journalists Matter Campaign brought together representatives of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, journalists and law-enforcement professionals on 27 October for the side event “Local Authorities and Media for Stronger Democracy”.
Opening the discussion, Artemiza-Tatiana Chișca, Head of the Freedom of Expression and CDMSI Division, stressed that journalist safety is not only a national issue, but very often a local one. National frameworks need to translate into practice in cities and regions, where journalists cover demonstrations, elections, public meetings and contentious local issues. She also underlined that journalist safety cannot be treated as a police matter alone, but requires a broader institutional culture based on respect for journalism, access to information and media independence.
From the perspective of local authorities, Mélanie Lepoultier, Congress Rapporteur on Local and Regional Media, highlighted the democratic cost of weakening local journalism. Local journalists are often particularly exposed because they live and work in the communities they cover. She called for preventive dialogue between authorities, police, media and civil society, clear contact points for sensitive public events, and responsible conduct by elected representatives towards journalists.
Concrete experience from the field showed how this can work in practice. René Hendriks, journalist and owner of Regio 15 in the Netherlands, described how practical training for police recruits, press access arrangements and mutual understanding have significantly improved relations between journalists and police in The Hague.
The Swedish experience illustrated the value of structured local cooperation. A pilot project bringing together police, local media and relevant public actors developed regular dialogue, action plans and training, and ultimately led to shorter communication routes, greater mutual trust and stronger reporting of crimes against journalists. The importance of reporting threats and attacks was also stressed so that they can be investigated and addressed.
The discussion confirmed a common message: the strongest protection is built before a crisis occurs, through dialogue, preparedness, trust and cooperation at local level.
This is precisely the approach promoted by the Journalists Matter Campaign: strengthening prevention, encouraging cooperation between public authorities, law enforcement, journalists and media organisations, and ensuring that practical mechanisms are in place before threats or incidents occur. By connecting national frameworks with local realities, the Campaign aims to help create an environment in which journalists can work safely, independently and with the support of institutions that understand their democratic role.
