Mass media, “a public service”

Starting today, the European Regulation on freedom of the press will enter into full force in all EU member states. Yesterday, several MEPs stressed that the date of August 8, 2025, must become a benchmark for media freedom in the EU. Officials in Brussels also called on each member state to make every effort to ensure that the document is fully and faithfully applied.

Reporter: Editorial decisions will benefit from better protection against undue interference and pressure, and public media institutions will be guaranteed access to adequate funding, consistent with their public service mission, according to the new regulations, which must be applied by all EU countries.

Other measures provided for in the document require media companies to disclose the identity of the people who run them and the sources of income from which it can be determined if they receive money from government entities for broadcasting messages.

Control and supervision mechanisms, such as internal and external audits, are also foreseen to ensure that editorial content is not manipulated, as well as sanctions for those who do not comply with the law.

As regards audience measurement, there will be single rules at European level, and the systems used must be transparent and verifiable, ensuring that the results do not favor any media outlet or information platform.

Translated by: Radu Matei