OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media warns of growing pressure on journalists in bi-annual report

VIENNA, 5 November – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM), Ambassador Jan Braathu, highlighted the crucial importance of media freedom to strengthen security and democratic resilience in his fourth bi-annual report to the OSCE Permanent Council.

“Citizens need to be able to question decisions that affect their lives, hear competing perspectives, and make their own judgements. Independent and pluralistic media help make this possible. Democracy depends on these freedoms every day,” the Representative said.

Legal harassment, hostile rhetoric and the safety of journalists

In his report, the RFoM examines the gap between OSCE participating States’ commitments and the realities observed within the OSCE region, highlighting growing hostility against journalists and efforts by some participating States to control the media narrative.

Legal harassment can lead to heavy sentences against journalists and media organizations, lengthy imprisonments and the criminalization of legitimate, public interest journalism. At the same time, so-called strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP) impose financial and psychological pressure on journalists, and discourage critical and investigative reporting, the Representative noted in the report, calling on participating States to enact anti-SLAPP legislation covering both domestic and cross-border cases.

Hostile rhetoric by public officials and political figures further deepens an already difficult working environment, particularly when it is followed or amplified by online harassment, threats, or attacks on journalists’ families.

Media professionals continue to face harassment and violence while carrying out their work. Excessive force and obstruction when covering demonstrations and public events, including by law enforcement officials, as well as attacks and intimidation typically targeting investigative journalists, prevent reporting on issues of particular public interest.

The role of technological development

Alongside physical dangers, cyberattacks targeting media outlets and online harassment of journalists — in particular women and members of minorities — hinder journalistic reporting, encourage self-censorship, and, as a result, deprive audiences of important information. 

Emerging technologies pose additional threats as digital platforms increasingly determine what people encounter through ubiquitous algorithmic systems that lack transparency and accountability. Artificial intelligence is changing how information is produced, selected, and presented. These technologies offer opportunities, but also concentrate influence over the visibility and financial viability of journalism, Braathu noted in his report.

“When reliable reporting disappears, it leaves information vacuums. Rumour, propaganda, and manipulation will fill the void. Our response must strengthen the conditions that allow trustworthy information to be produced and shared,” the Representative added.

Independent public service media are essential infrastructure to ensure a diverse media environment and informed public debate. “While trust in media in general is declining across the region, trust in public service media remains generally high. This is important to sustain, especially as public service media contribute as a societal bulwark against disinformation,” the Representative noted.

The RFoM report also pointed to important progress, including recent releases of journalists from detention, and legislative advances against abusive lawsuits and in other areas in a number of participating States. However, further efforts are needed to build on these developments and ensure their effective implementation.

“Can a journalist investigate without fear? Can a source speak in confidence? Can a newsroom withstand political pressure? These are the questions by which implementation should be judged. The commitments are already ours. So is the responsibility to give them effect,” Braathu concluded.

Full report by the Representative on Freedom of the Media

Annex to the RFoM's Permanent Council Report

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