Media Freedom Goals and EU Regulation
A clear, unwavering stance has been voiced by the Vice President and Chair of Transparency and Values within the Presidency Council: journalists must operate freely, while public media should not become a propaganda tool. This commitment prioritizes media freedom as foundational to accountable governance and informed publics across Europe and beyond. Brussels envisions a protective framework that sustains pluralism and independence, ensuring editorial decisions remain free from political interference.
The proposed regulation strengthens editorial freedom for media outlets offering communications services and enhances protections for journalistic resources. It calls for transparency so media ownership is openly known and for editorial choices to be made independently of external pressure. The plan also guarantees stable, adequate funding for public service media to preserve independence and high journalistic standards. A core idea is governance that is open to scrutiny, with directors and managers appointed through transparent, non-discriminatory processes and with access to information that supports impartial review and diverse viewpoints.
Under the regulation, member states will assess effects on media markets, pluralism, and editorial independence. Any legal or administrative action by an EU member state that could impact the media will require solid justification and proportionality. The aim is to establish a balanced, predictable environment where media can operate freely while remaining accountable to the public interest.
Corporate Advertising
The law addresses corporate advertising by mandating that advertising funds be distributed among the media in a transparent, objective, proportionate, and non-discriminatory manner. This obligation extends to national authorities as well as regional and local authorities, including public entities with substantial reach, ensuring public influence does not skew media coverage. The overarching goal is to reduce the risk of public funds serving partisan interests and to promote fair competition within the single market for media services.
Public authorities will be required to publish annual data on advertising expenditures directed toward the media. The published information should include the names of media organizations funded and the amounts spent, both in total and broken down by media type. Such transparency is intended to enable vigilant oversight and to support an even playing field for all media players.
Spy Programs
The regulation explicitly bans spyware against journalists, their families, and media organizations. Exceptions for national security are strictly limited and should be justified only within a defined set of circumstances. Investigations into serious crimes may proceed, but safeguards are in place to prevent unjustified disruption or censorship of professional journalistic work. The measure also strengthens protections against unlawful removal of content produced to professional standards and calls for greater transparency in audience measurement systems, especially where internet advertising pricing is concerned.
These measures respond to concerns raised by the European Commission regarding the rule of law and political interference. They reflect the recognition that more than twenty member states face moderate to high risks of interference and aim to fortify protections across all national systems. A new initiative anticipates the creation of an Independent European Media Services Council. This body would oversee national media authorities, promote consistent application of EU media law, and help Brussels shape guidelines on media regulation. It could also issue opinions on national measures affecting media markets and concentrations, aiding in harmonizing standards across the Union.