Webinar takeaways: How to build independent media to counter political interference?

On 19 and 20 April, the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) hosted two webinars on how to build independent media to counter political interference as part of a project funded by the Open Society Foundations. The webinars highlighted the importance of independent media against the background of increased polarisation, disinformation and attacks against journalists and shared good practices, in particular by journalists’ unions on how to counter political pressure. The EFJ welcomed distinguished speakers, ranging from MEPs and researchers to media consultants and representatives of media councils, journalists’ unions and international organisations. At the end of the two-day webinar, strong…

Concerns about safety of journalists and media workers who report on the Breton agro-business

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) joined the Media Freedom Rapid Response partners in expressing concerns about attacks and threats to journalists reporting on agro-business in Brittany, France. The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) is concerned about repeated attacks, threats and intimidation of journalists and media workers reporting on the agro-food industry in Brittany. These attacks, legal threats, harassment and intimidation must end and we call on all relevant public authorities to take the necessary measures to enable critical reporting on this issue. In November 2020, journalist Morgan Large was interviewed as part of a widely watched documentary on the national public…

Albania: journalists, media workers and sources must be protected

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) today joined the Media Freedom Rapid Response partners in calling on state bodies in Albania to ensure journalists, media workers and sources are protected and able to work freely. Download the letter in Albanian   To: Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania Erion Veliaj, Mayor of Tirana CC: Olivér Várhelyi, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Věra Jourová, European Commission, Vice-President for Values and Transparency Dunja Mijatovic, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Irene Khan, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of freedom of opinion and expression Teresa Ribeiro, OSCE…