Media freedom and pluralism is flailing across Europe, and in some countries, are on its last legs.

The European Media Freedom Act will bring some improvements, but on its own is not enough to rescue a struggling media landscape. Liberties Media Freedom Report 2024 reveals that media freedom and media pluralism are close to breaking point in many EU countries, while in others, a near-total overhaul is required to address chronic, systemic issues with only a limited number of exceptions. The continued erosion of media freedom is evidenced by widespread harassment of journalists and governments restricting access to information. Meanwhile, heavy media ownership concentration and threats to the independence and finances of public service media contribute to a shrinking media plurality. A diverse and free media environment is crucial for democracy because we rely on independent news outlets to hold our politicians accountable and keep us informed. The pattern of declining media freedom – which shows the overarching trends documented in last year’s report remain unaddressed – goes hand-in-hand with Europe’s democratic backsliding. Based on findings from over two dozen civil liberties organisations from 19 countries across the EU, the report covers media freedom and pluralism, safety and protection of journalists, and freedom of expression and access to information in 2023, a year when the media landscape was shaped not only by new legislation (Anti-SLAPP Directive, Digital Services Act, European Media Freedom Act), but also elections (Poland, the Netherlands, Slovakia) and regional conflicts (Russia-Ukraine, Middle East). Additionally, this year’s report features a new chapter dedicated to the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) – a landmark piece of legislation that has myriad implications for media freedom and pluralism in the EU.

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Liberties’ Media Freedom Report 2024: Freedom of the Press Reaching Breaking Point