OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media warns of structural shifts reshaping information and threatening democracy

VIENNA, 24 April – Presenting his third report to the OSCE Permanent Council on 23 April, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM), Jan Braathu, warned that political pressure, technological change, economic disruption, and emerging security challenges are increasingly undermining the fundamental principles of media freedom and professional journalism in the OSCE region.

“What we are witnessing a structural shift in which control over information is shaping how citizens form opinions and how societies understand reality,” the Representative said.

Key issues: safety of journalists, hostile political rhetoric, information manipulation and structural pressures

Legal harassment, including the imprisonment of journalists and the criminalization of journalism, alongside the use of vexatious lawsuits to silence critical, investigative reporting continues to generate a chilling effect on journalistic coverage of public interest issues. 

Furthermore, violence against media professionals, particularly in the context of protest coverage, remains a persistent concern. Journalists have been injured, attacked, or obstructed while reporting from public demonstrations in several participating States.

Hostile and stigmatizing rhetoric by public officials against journalists and the media is becoming increasingly visible and consequential, the Representative noted in his report.

“When public officials portray the media as adversaries, enemies or traitors, it erodes public trust, legitimizes harassment, and increases the risk of physical harm. Where such rhetoric goes unchecked, it not only damages trust in the media, but also weakens the democratic conditions necessary for journalism to function,” said Representative Braathu.

A call for the implementation of OSCE and international commitments

Braathu emphasized that there is a marked gap between the OSCE participating States’ shared commitments on media freedom and freedom of expression, including Ministerial Council Decision No. 3/18 on the Safety of Journalists, and the realities observed across the OSCE region. He called on participating States to protect journalists, safeguard media freedom, and ensure that all regulatory, legislative and policy responses remain firmly grounded in international human rights standards. 

“Media freedom is not a by-product of democracy; it is one of its foundations. And far from threatening security, it is one of the conditions that makes peace and security possible. Therefore, it must be actively upheld, protected and renewed day by day,” the Representative said.

Practical support for media and States across the region

The Representative also highlighted a variety of initiatives and activities carried out by his Office. Among them are safety and mental health training sessions for journalists, a meeting of the RFoM’s National Focal Points on the Safety of Journalists, and ongoing dialogue with journalist associations, media regulators and public service media. 

“We also see efforts across the region to strengthen media freedom, improve legal safeguards, and support independent journalism. These developments demonstrate that the challenges identified in this report are neither inevitable nor irreversible,” Braathu concluded.

Full report by the Representative on Freedom of the Media

Annex to the RFoM's Permanent Council Report | OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. 

Learn more at rfom.osce.org, X: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom