Unterstützung auch für freie Journalist*innen: ECPMF und EFJ stärken Forderung des DJV nach Schutzkodex
The European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) and the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) support the urgent call of the German Journalists Association (DJV) for more media companies to join the Code of Protection for journalists launched in 2022.
Andreas Lamm , interim director of the ECPMF, refers to the results of the latest edition of the enemy image journalist study , which the center recently published. This study shows that precarious working conditions and ongoing threats, especially from right-wing extremist groups and individuals, could lead to self-censorship and „blind spots“ in reporting on political issues. Lamm stresses that media companies should offer better protection to freelance journalists, who are often targets of physical and psychological attacks, and calls for media companies to take more responsibility. „Media companies should offer better protection to freelance journalists, who seem to be a preferred target of physical and psychological attacks,“ says Lamm.
Following the European elections, the DJV called on media companies to sign the Protection Code. The DJV is reacting to the AfD’s landslide victory in the European elections, particularly in eastern Germany, where the right-wing extremist party is in first place in almost all constituencies. DJV Federal Chairman Mika Beuster warns that enemies of the press could gain the upper hand and attacks on media workers could increase, particularly in the upcoming state elections in Brandenburg, Saxony and Thuringia. The Protection Code includes standards for media companies and concrete protective measures to support journalists, including psychological and legal help as well as practical measures. So far, ten media companies have signed the Protection Code, including the German Press Agency, the Südwestdeutsche Medienholding, Spiegel, Zeit and the Funke Media Group.
Renate Schroeder , the director of the EFJ, underlines the urgency of the demands and adds: „The safety of journalists is essential for a free and independent press. Independent media workers in the local area are particularly at risk. More and more journalists are leaving journalism, not only because of the money, but also because of the increasing attacks on them.“ Schroeder stresses the importance of international solidarity and joint efforts, including with media companies, to ensure the protection of media workers.
