OSCE Media Freedom Representative concludes visit to Latvia, discusses key importance of media freedom for security

VIENNA, 23 March 2026 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Ambassador Jan Braathu, paid an official visit to Latvia where he held bilateral meetings with Latvian authorities as well as with journalists and civil society representatives. 

The Representative also gave a keynote speech at the Conference on the Role of Media in National Security held in Riga, where he highlighted the importance of promoting free and independent media as a foundation of security and democracy. 

“When citizens have access to diverse, reliable, public-interest information, societies are stronger, institutions are more trusted and accountable, and public resilience is greater in responding to security risks in an increasingly challenging digital information environment,” the Representative said at the conference, which was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Ministry of Culture of Latvia, and the Sustainability Foundation/Media Hub Riga. “The integrity of our information spaces is one of the key factors shaping the security of today and tomorrow. Societies that protect media freedom, support pluralism, and ensure the safety of journalists are more resilient, more informed, and ultimately more secure,” he added.  

During the visit, the Representative met with Baiba Braže, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia; Agnese Lāce, Minister of Culture of Latvia; Sanita Upleja Jegermane, Chairperson of the Public Electronic Mass Media Council; as well as with editors, journalists, members of professional media associations, and strategic communication experts.  

Discussions focused on the advancement of media freedom and ethical journalistic standards, support to independent journalism, and strengthening the safety of journalists in a rapidly evolving information environment. Interlocutors highlighted the impact of digital transformation and technological change, as well as the complex challenges these developments pose for the visibility, viability and accessibility of public-interest information. The meetings also addressed the implementation of Latvia’s Media Policy Guidelines 2024 - 2027 — a comprehensive framework designed to support a diverse and independent media landscape.

Public service broadcasting was also among the topics of discussion, with emphasis on its role in providing trustworthy information that serves all members of society. Strategic priorities of Latvia’s Public Service Media 2026 - 2029 were addressed including shifts in digital delivery, audience and language approaches, alongside links to broader media resilience. The Representative commended the Latvian government’s increased funding for the public service broadcaster, thereby showing a commitment to strengthening the independent public broadcaster in Latvia.

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, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom