Stockholm Media Freedom Conference provided opportunity to join forces to address challenges of independent media

STOCKHOLM/VIENNA, 19 May 2021 — During the Stockholm Media Freedom conference, participants addressed some of the most pressing issues facing democratic societies today. Among the topics were safety of journalists and the role of independent media in democratic processes — all with a view on how OSCE participating States can increase public trust in independent media through the implementation of OSCE commitments. The situation of female journalists was especially highlighted throughout the conference. 

The Swedish Chairpersonship and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media hosted the event, which took place on 18 and 19 May. In her opening remarks, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ann Linde highlighted worrying trends for media freedom in the OSCE region and globally, including the security situation of women in the media.

“Threats and violence against journalists are unacceptable and disproportionately target women. Ensuring the right to freedom of expression for all, regardless of gender, is a fundamental human rights issue,” she said. “It is essential to address media freedom in the larger context of human rights and comprehensive security, which are areas of immediate and legitimate concern to all OSCE participating States.” 

The conference brought together journalists, civil society organizations, government representatives and academicians from all of OSCE’s participating States. 

In her closing remarks, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro welcomed the interesting discussion during the conference on several issues regarding media freedom, including the prevailing rise in anti-media sentiment in the OSCE region.

“This anti-media sentiment worries me greatly, as it undermines one of the fundamental pillars of our societies. Especially in these uncertain times, we need the media more than ever to bring us the information we depend on. We need transparent exchange of ideas and information in a pluralistic media landscape, instead of distrust and a continuous repletion of the same news in our own small bubbles.”

The conference on “Increasing Public Trust in Independent Media through the Implementation of OSCE Commitments” was held online with live streaming from Stockholm.