Our work

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) works at the vital intersection of media freedom, democracy and security. Independent journalism strengthens societal defence, offering early-warning insights and exposing risks. In an era of pervasive disinformation, safeguarding media freedom is essential for effective deterrence, reducing the impact of manipulation that can polarize communities and erode trust. By promoting pluralistic public interest information, and media literacy, the OSCE RFoM helps build democratic resilience, ensuring that open, reliable information environments remain a stabilizing force even amid complex security challenges.

Enabling journalists to work safely is critical to fostering a pluralistic media environment, a key pillar of every democratic society. In line with his mandate, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media is working closely with all participating States on the implementation of the OSCE Ministerial Council Decision 3/18 on the Safety of Journalists in 2018 where the participating States committed to bring their laws, policies and practices pertaining to media freedom fully in compliance with their international obligations and OSCE commitments.

Over the past decade, the global information ecosystem has undergone a seismic shift. A few major Big Tech and AI companies shape how information is produced, distributed, accessed and monetized. This concentration of power — combined with limited transparency, due diligence and accountability — and the growing use of AI undermines the integrity, plurality and independence of our information space. These factors threaten media visibility, viability and journalistic safety.

The digital realm holds significant opportunities for media and democracy. When grounded in media freedom and the public interest, technology can strengthen a pluralistic and independent information ecosystem. In this rapidly evolving environment, understanding both the challenges and potentials, and anchoring policies and practices in human rights, is more crucial than ever.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media plays a key role in guiding and supporting participating States to uphold their commitments to freedom of expression and media freedom in the digital and AI era, while strengthening independent journalism. 

States have positive obligations regarding the promotion of media freedom. These include the requirement to create a conducive legal framework for the development of a free and pluralistic media sector. In line with OSCE Ministerial Council Decision No. 3/18 on the Safety of Journalists (2018), OSCE participating States have committed to bring their laws, policies and practices, related to media freedom, fully in compliance with their international obligations and commitments and to review and, where necessary, repeal or amend them to ensure they do not restrict journalists’ ability to perform their work independently and without undue interference. 

To assist participating States in fulfilling their media freedom commitments, the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) provides legal reviews of draft or existing legislation affecting the media. These reviews include analyses and specific recommendations to enhance compliance with relevant international standards.

Along with other mandate holders on freedom of expression, the OSCE RFoM also issues thematic joint declarations addressing the most pressing issues affecting freedom of expression and media freedom. These joint declarations serve a standard-setting purpose and help build global consensus around the specific topics they cover.

Media viability is the ability of media outlets and media landscapes to produce unbiased, fact-based journalism which informs audiences and enables individuals to form their own opinions on issues relevant to society.