OSCE South East Europe Media Conference

Media freedom — an essential human right and crucial feature of democracy — faces entrenched and emerging threats not just in South East Europe, but across the entire OSCE region and the world as a whole. The 5th Annual South East Europe Media Conference, organized by the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media in co-operation with the OSCE Field Operations in South East Europe, will provide a platform to discuss an array of media freedom issues and holistic approaches to improve the media landscape in the region, including through showcasing best practices.

Safety of journalists — an absolute precondition for free media — remains one of the most serious issues in South East Europe.  The number of registered cases of physical and verbal attacks, intimidation, threats against journalists, and hacking of news websites has increased, creating an environment of fear amongst journalists and threatening the existence of a free and vibrant media environment.

Women working as journalists and media actors are especially vulnerable to particular types of attacks. When women face intimidation and harassment and when female reporters face daily death threats and online attacks, plurality and media freedom are challenged.

This conference will also confront the challenges surrounding “fake news”, propaganda and disinformation, which are not only increasingly prevalent in the region, but measures being taken to tackle these issues are also dangerous for critical or dissident voices. How might we identity, combat and raise awareness about disinformation, in a way that fully respects the right to freedom of expression?

Moreover, the challenges that freelance journalists and independent media outlets face when it comes to economic security will also be discussed during this event. Journalists in South East Europe continue to face direct threats or fears of job loss, preventing them from publishing certain stories of public interest. Lack of work contracts, delays in salary payment, unpaid overtime work and social insecurity are just some of the various problems that media workers face in the region. How might we better protect journalists from difficult financial situations, which often result in self-censorship or even a change of profession?

Beyond identifying the various challenges to media freedom in the region, the conference will draw on the hard work and engagement of the expert speakers and participants to highlight lessons learned and best practices from across the region. As we highlight the successes of journalists, NGOs, government officials, civil society actors, and academics, we will also learn about and from effective models of vigilant reporting, research and advocacy.

We will hear from panellists on ways to improve and ensure professional journalistic standards, and about the importance of media self-regulation in this regard. We will workshop best practices for Public Service Broadcasters, so that they are able to speak with an authoritative and independent voice, maintain editorial independence and serve as watchdogs for the public.

Follow the conference and engage with leading media freedom experts on Twitter via @OSCE_RFOM using the hashtag #SEEMC.

The conference will be streamed live online at www.osce.org/live.

Any requests for interviews should be directed to: Deniz Yazici

All questions regarding the conference agenda and/or logistics should be directed to: Jennifer Adams or Adis Mustedanagic.