Fields of work

Media freedom and development

Free and independent media are a cornerstone of democratic societies. The OSCE monitors media developments in its participating States for violations of free expression and organizes training for editors and journalists to support media development.

Factsheet

Factsheet of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media

18 August 2018

Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

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Our approach to security

Many factors can affect security and stability, often across borders, population segments or the OSCE’s three dimensions.

Free and independent media are a cornerstone of democratic societies. However, journalists and other media representatives often find themselves in the cross-hairs of government control or even victims of violent attacks, incarceration or harassment. Increasingly, OSCE States have become also concerned about the use of artificial intelligence to spread mis- or disinformation, in particular on the internet. On the other hand, media freedom must be balanced by the reporting standards and ethics journalists have to abide by, to ensure that media quality is upheld.

We commit ourselves to ensuring the freedom of the media as a basic condition for pluralistic and democratic societies.

Platform for Co-operative Security, Istanbul Document 1999

Building on our comprehensive and co-operative approach to security, we work on strategies to tackle the issue head-on.

We monitor media developments in the participating States for violations of free expression. If such occur, we speak up and demand accountability, in particular when it comes to cases of harassment, violent attacks or murders of journalists, or of prosecution of media workers for their professional activities. We also review legislation that can affect free expression and legislation regulating the media, and organize training and networking support for editors and journalists.

Our institutions, field operations and offices bring to the task expert skills and knowledge to develop tailor-made solutions for each challenge.

Our institutions and offices

One of our key institutions, the Representative on Freedom of the Media, has a unique mandate: to protect and promote media freedom in all participating States. The Representative’s activities include observing media developments as part of an early warning function and helping participating States abide by their commitments to freedom of expression and free media.

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OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media

The Representative’s activities can be divided into two groups: observing media developments as part of an early warning function and helping participating States abide by their commitments to freedom of expression and free media. This includes efforts to ensure the safety of journalists; assist with the development of media pluralism; promote decriminalization of defamation; combat hate speech while preserving freedom of expression; provide expert opinions on media regulation and legislation; promote Internet freedom; and assist with the process of switching from analogue to digital broadcasting. The Representative also holds annual regional media conferences, bringing together journalists, representatives of civil society and government, as well as academics, to discuss current media freedom issues.

Our operations on the ground

Most field operations pursue activities dedicated to media freedom and development, working on such issues as monitoring the work of media regulators; supporting national broadcasting reforms; fostering the transparency, credibility and independence of the media; documenting cases of media rights violations; and organizing training for journalists, official from the judiciary and civil servants.