In the dynamic realm of media and journalism, the preservation of press freedom and journalists’ rights stands as a paramount concern. In response to this, the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD) aimed to foster collaboration among members through the establishment of the EU Media Advocacy Working Group. This informal network brings together organizations dedicated to journalism support, media development, digital rights, and broader democracy support, collaboratively working to influence media-related policies within the European Union (EU).
Author: GFMD Secretariat | 18. December 2023
What is the EU Media Advocacy Working Group? Who is it for?
The world of media and journalism is constantly changing, it is true. And the preservation of press freedom and journalists’ rights in this ever-evolving landscape is crucial. That is why GFMD established the EU Media Advocacy Working Group – to foster collaboration among organisations dedicated to the support of journalism, media development, digital rights, and the broader support of democracy.
The EU Media Advocacy Working Group is an informal network that aims to influence media-related policies within the European Union (EU). The coalition includes highly reputable organisations with diverse expertise and connections with both journalists and policymakers within the EU and presents a unified voice for improved legislation.
If you or your organisation are advocating for media and democracy within the EU, we welcome you to join our collective effort. We want to ensure an open, collaborative forum, so we are especially interested in working together with civil society organisations.
What do you do?
Essentially, the working group coordinates efforts to address EU media policies to make sure that freedom of the press and democratic principles are upheld. If you read on, you can find out how the group began and what we aim to do.
Initially, the EFJ had aimed to partner with non-government organisations to shape EU media policy in these matters. Recognising the need for a neutral player to coordinate efforts, GFMD took the lead in establishing the EU Media Advocacy Working Group. The group’s primary goal is to coordinate efforts, share vital information, and collectively address the EU’s media policy priorities.
How do you make that happen?
By presenting a united front, which gives us a powerful presence and makes our efforts impossible to ignore. We have already achieved quite a bit, as you will see below.
The Guidance
The EU Media Advocacy Working Group has been pivotal in engaging with EU policymakers. Our initiatives include meetings with members of the European Parliament, publishing op-eds, and crafting joint open letters to influence the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA).
One of the group’s strengths is its ability to present a united front. This includes meeting with the Council, Commission, and Parliament of the EU, and participation in drafting amendments to legislation. By collaborating, the group amplifies its persuasiveness, making it more compelling for decision-makers to engage with civil society groups collectively.
The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA)
“While facing unprecedented attacks on journalists and recognizing the growing threats to media freedom, the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) emerges as a critical initiative. Collaboratively developed with input from civil society, Media Freedom organizations, the European Broadcasting Union, and digital rights groups, the EMFA aims to establish minimum principle-based regulations. These regulations include protecting journalists’ sources, limiting spyware use, ensuring non-political public service media, and enhancing transparency in media ownership, marking a significant step towards safeguarding the foundations of a free press,” noted Renate Schroeder, Director of the EFJ during the GFMD’s End-of-Year Town Hall.
The European Commission’s attempt to establish the EMFA marked a critical point in addressing media issues. Developed with input from civil society, media freedom organisations, the European Broadcasting Union, and digital rights groups, the EMFA aims to establish regulations that protect journalists’ sources, limit spyware use, ensure non-political public service media, and enhance transparency in media ownership.
Over the past few years, the EU Media Advocacy Working Group, led by GFMD, has actively engaged in refining proposed EMFA legislation. Regular meetings fostered a positive atmosphere of collaboration, allowing diverse organisations to work transparently towards common goals. The group’s efforts contributed to real results, including the removal of a national security exemption under Article 4 of the EMFA, (an Article which aims to guarantee editors and journalists can protect their sources). Removing this exemption helps shield journalists from undue interference and surveillance in their work.
So what, essentially, can the EU Media Advocacy Working Group offer us?
2024 is a pivotal year marked by the European elections: the landscape of media and digital communications in the EU is on the brink of transformative change. With the implementation of landmark regulations—the Digital Services Act (DSA), the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), and the AI Act— the EU Media Advocacy Group’s focus is sharpened on safeguarding media freedom, ensuring transparent digital services, and establishing ethical AI use standards. These regulations are not just legislative texts; they are the blueprints for a resilient, fair, and innovative digital future. In the next crucial years, we will keep advocating for policies that strengthen media integrity, promote digital transparency, and protect the public interest in the ever-evolving digital domain.
Join the EU Media Advocacy Working Group!
Does your organisation contribute to media and democracy advocacy within the EU? The EU Media Advocacy Working Group would welcome your active participation in our collaborative effort. Our membership criteria emphasise accessibility to civil society organisations to ensure an open, collaborative forum.
For more information or to join the EU Media Advocacy Working Group, contact GFMD’s Advocacy and Policy Manager, Laura Becana Ball, at lbecanaball@gfmd.info.
