European Centre for Press and Media Freedom
@ecpmf.bsky.social
Our mission is to ensure that the truth is always told.
ecpmf.eu
Leading partner @mediafreedomeu.bsky.social
ecpmf.eu
Leading partner @mediafreedomeu.bsky.social
Saturday read ☕
Reader comments are coming back to news sites. Ben Whitelaw draws on his experience at The Times of London to show that commenters are more engaged, more loyal, and more likely to subscribe, but only when comments are treated as part of the product.
https://ow.ly/MPmF50XXcyV
Reader comments are coming back to news sites. Ben Whitelaw draws on his experience at The Times of London to show that commenters are more engaged, more loyal, and more likely to subscribe, but only when comments are treated as part of the product.
https://ow.ly/MPmF50XXcyV
Newsrooms are taking comments seriously again
Three lessons from running comments at The Times of London.
ow.ly
January 17, 2026 at 9:20 AM
Saturday read ☕
Reader comments are coming back to news sites. Ben Whitelaw draws on his experience at The Times of London to show that commenters are more engaged, more loyal, and more likely to subscribe, but only when comments are treated as part of the product.
https://ow.ly/MPmF50XXcyV
Reader comments are coming back to news sites. Ben Whitelaw draws on his experience at The Times of London to show that commenters are more engaged, more loyal, and more likely to subscribe, but only when comments are treated as part of the product.
https://ow.ly/MPmF50XXcyV
We stand with @occrp.org.
This coordinated DDoS attack is a clear attempt to disrupt investigative journalism by making it unreachable. Silencing the press by technical means is still censorship. Those responsible must be identified and held accountable.
www.occrp.org/en/news/occr...
This coordinated DDoS attack is a clear attempt to disrupt investigative journalism by making it unreachable. Silencing the press by technical means is still censorship. Those responsible must be identified and held accountable.
www.occrp.org/en/news/occr...
OCCRP Website Hit by Sophisticated DDoS Attack
www.occrp.org
January 15, 2026 at 10:24 AM
We stand with @occrp.org.
This coordinated DDoS attack is a clear attempt to disrupt investigative journalism by making it unreachable. Silencing the press by technical means is still censorship. Those responsible must be identified and held accountable.
www.occrp.org/en/news/occr...
This coordinated DDoS attack is a clear attempt to disrupt investigative journalism by making it unreachable. Silencing the press by technical means is still censorship. Those responsible must be identified and held accountable.
www.occrp.org/en/news/occr...
Women dominate Ukraine’s media workforce but not its leadership.
A new policy paper by Women in Media NGO shows why the glass ceiling persists and how institutions must change to break it: https://wim.org.ua/en/materials/policy-paper/
A new policy paper by Women in Media NGO shows why the glass ceiling persists and how institutions must change to break it: https://wim.org.ua/en/materials/policy-paper/
January 13, 2026 at 9:25 AM
Women dominate Ukraine’s media workforce but not its leadership.
A new policy paper by Women in Media NGO shows why the glass ceiling persists and how institutions must change to break it: https://wim.org.ua/en/materials/policy-paper/
A new policy paper by Women in Media NGO shows why the glass ceiling persists and how institutions must change to break it: https://wim.org.ua/en/materials/policy-paper/
Reposted by European Centre for Press and Media Freedom
One year after her arrest, the Media Freedom Rapid Response calls for the immediate release of journalist Mzia Amaglobeli.
We will keep monitoring her case and advocating for her freedom: https://www.mfrr.eu/georgia-ahead-of-verdict-press-freedom-groups-renew-call-for-mzia-amaglobelis-release/
We will keep monitoring her case and advocating for her freedom: https://www.mfrr.eu/georgia-ahead-of-verdict-press-freedom-groups-renew-call-for-mzia-amaglobelis-release/
January 13, 2026 at 8:51 AM
One year after her arrest, the Media Freedom Rapid Response calls for the immediate release of journalist Mzia Amaglobeli.
We will keep monitoring her case and advocating for her freedom: https://www.mfrr.eu/georgia-ahead-of-verdict-press-freedom-groups-renew-call-for-mzia-amaglobelis-release/
We will keep monitoring her case and advocating for her freedom: https://www.mfrr.eu/georgia-ahead-of-verdict-press-freedom-groups-renew-call-for-mzia-amaglobelis-release/
🇸🇰 ECPMF strongly condemns the physical attack on Slovak political commentator Peter Schutz of the SME daily newspaper. We demand an immediate, professional and independent investigation into the attack and that the perpetrators be brought to justice.
www.politico.eu/article/slov...
www.politico.eu/article/slov...
Slovak journalist attacked, government ministers fault his public statements
Well-known commentator Peter Schutz, 70, was beaten up in a mall washroom; police are investigating.
www.politico.eu
January 13, 2026 at 8:09 AM
🇸🇰 ECPMF strongly condemns the physical attack on Slovak political commentator Peter Schutz of the SME daily newspaper. We demand an immediate, professional and independent investigation into the attack and that the perpetrators be brought to justice.
www.politico.eu/article/slov...
www.politico.eu/article/slov...
Public media independence in Czechia is at risk. Scrapping the licence fee would open the door to political pressure and breach the #EMFA. ECPMF calls on the government to protect the funding and independence of ČT and ČRo.
www.ecpmf.eu/czechia-medi...
www.ecpmf.eu/czechia-medi...
Czechia: Media freedom groups urge Czechia’s government to uphold public media’s independence
As Czechia’s new government prepares to reshape the funding and governance of its public broadcasters, press freedom groups caution that replacing the licence fee with state budget funding would expos...
www.ecpmf.eu
January 12, 2026 at 2:20 PM
Public media independence in Czechia is at risk. Scrapping the licence fee would open the door to political pressure and breach the #EMFA. ECPMF calls on the government to protect the funding and independence of ČT and ČRo.
www.ecpmf.eu/czechia-medi...
www.ecpmf.eu/czechia-medi...
Reposted by European Centre for Press and Media Freedom
🌟 We offer up to six months of protection for journalists who need temporary relocation. With a stipend, furnished housing, professional training, and direct support from
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom it enables meaningful recovery and continued work.
https://www.mfrr.eu/support/
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom it enables meaningful recovery and continued work.
https://www.mfrr.eu/support/
Support Offered by MFRR
The MFRR offers tangible and frontline support to journalists and media workers in EU member states and candidate countries who are at risk from their work.
www.mfrr.eu
January 9, 2026 at 9:09 AM
🌟 We offer up to six months of protection for journalists who need temporary relocation. With a stipend, furnished housing, professional training, and direct support from
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom it enables meaningful recovery and continued work.
https://www.mfrr.eu/support/
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom it enables meaningful recovery and continued work.
https://www.mfrr.eu/support/
With information on 28 countries, the European Anti-SLAPP Monitor shows where action has begun and where gaps remain.
Access the data and support efforts against abusive lawsuits below ⬇️
https://slapp-monitor.eu
Access the data and support efforts against abusive lawsuits below ⬇️
https://slapp-monitor.eu
European Anti-SLAPP Monitor
The European Anti-SLAPP Monitor tracks EU progress on laws against SLAPPs, highlighting implementation and key national developments.
slapp-monitor.eu
January 11, 2026 at 9:20 AM
With information on 28 countries, the European Anti-SLAPP Monitor shows where action has begun and where gaps remain.
Access the data and support efforts against abusive lawsuits below ⬇️
https://slapp-monitor.eu
Access the data and support efforts against abusive lawsuits below ⬇️
https://slapp-monitor.eu
You can help us by reporting media freedom violations. If you know of an incident that hasn’t been documented yet, you can submit it using our online form. Reports can be anonymous, but detailed information and links to sources help us verify each case.
https://www.mappingmediafreedom.org/report-it/
https://www.mappingmediafreedom.org/report-it/
Report it - Mapping Media Freedom
www.mappingmediafreedom.org
January 10, 2026 at 1:20 PM
You can help us by reporting media freedom violations. If you know of an incident that hasn’t been documented yet, you can submit it using our online form. Reports can be anonymous, but detailed information and links to sources help us verify each case.
https://www.mappingmediafreedom.org/report-it/
https://www.mappingmediafreedom.org/report-it/
Saturday read ☕
Are tech platforms allies of press freedom or its biggest threat? Emily Bell argues this is the question that will define journalism in 2026, as Big Tech aligns with power, retreats from accountability, and embeds AI at the heart of newsrooms.
https://ow.ly/5aFK50XTn7L
Are tech platforms allies of press freedom or its biggest threat? Emily Bell argues this is the question that will define journalism in 2026, as Big Tech aligns with power, retreats from accountability, and embeds AI at the heart of newsrooms.
https://ow.ly/5aFK50XTn7L
Are tech companies allies or threats to press freedom?
In 2026, this will be the question that matters most to journalists.
ow.ly
January 10, 2026 at 9:30 AM
Saturday read ☕
Are tech platforms allies of press freedom or its biggest threat? Emily Bell argues this is the question that will define journalism in 2026, as Big Tech aligns with power, retreats from accountability, and embeds AI at the heart of newsrooms.
https://ow.ly/5aFK50XTn7L
Are tech platforms allies of press freedom or its biggest threat? Emily Bell argues this is the question that will define journalism in 2026, as Big Tech aligns with power, retreats from accountability, and embeds AI at the heart of newsrooms.
https://ow.ly/5aFK50XTn7L
Journalists in exile bring critical perspectives shaped by lived experience.
In Germany, we help them to access training, legal advice, language support, and funding for equipment, making it possible to keep reporting and rebuild a professional path: www.ecpmf.eu/support/jour...
In Germany, we help them to access training, legal advice, language support, and funding for equipment, making it possible to keep reporting and rebuild a professional path: www.ecpmf.eu/support/jour...
Journalists-in-Exile Programme - ECPMF
ECPMF works to explore new opportunities to facilitate professional activities of journalists in exile in Germany.
www.ecpmf.eu
January 9, 2026 at 9:02 AM
Journalists in exile bring critical perspectives shaped by lived experience.
In Germany, we help them to access training, legal advice, language support, and funding for equipment, making it possible to keep reporting and rebuild a professional path: www.ecpmf.eu/support/jour...
In Germany, we help them to access training, legal advice, language support, and funding for equipment, making it possible to keep reporting and rebuild a professional path: www.ecpmf.eu/support/jour...
The Voices Awards support the next generation of journalists and media makers. 25 awardees will receive €1,200 and an invitation to the Voices Festival in Florence, with recognition, debates, and networking.
Apply 👉 https://voicesfestival.eu/voices-awards/
Apply 👉 https://voicesfestival.eu/voices-awards/
January 8, 2026 at 8:25 AM
The Voices Awards support the next generation of journalists and media makers. 25 awardees will receive €1,200 and an invitation to the Voices Festival in Florence, with recognition, debates, and networking.
Apply 👉 https://voicesfestival.eu/voices-awards/
Apply 👉 https://voicesfestival.eu/voices-awards/
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting voted to dissolve the agency after Congress defunded it last summer at Trump’s urging, ending its funding of PBS, NPR, and public stations nationwide.
What does the dissolution mean?
www.cjr.org/analysis/wha...
What does the dissolution mean?
www.cjr.org/analysis/wha...
What the dissolution of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting means.
The parent organization of NPR and PBS, already defunded, is shutting down—and claims that’s for the best. But there are dangers ahead.
www.cjr.org
January 7, 2026 at 9:59 AM
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting voted to dissolve the agency after Congress defunded it last summer at Trump’s urging, ending its funding of PBS, NPR, and public stations nationwide.
What does the dissolution mean?
www.cjr.org/analysis/wha...
What does the dissolution mean?
www.cjr.org/analysis/wha...
Last few days to apply: https://ecpmf-sce-mbh.jobs.personio.de/job/2425883?language=en&display=en
January 7, 2026 at 8:35 AM
Last few days to apply: https://ecpmf-sce-mbh.jobs.personio.de/job/2425883?language=en&display=en
The Media Foundation of Sparkasse Leipzig invites nominations recognising outstanding commitment to media freedom, independent journalism, and pluralism of opinion.
🗓 Deadline: 28 February 2026
🏆 Award ceremony: 8 October 2026
www.leipziger-medienstiftung.de
🗓 Deadline: 28 February 2026
🏆 Award ceremony: 8 October 2026
www.leipziger-medienstiftung.de
Startseite
Symposium „Schicksalsgemeinschaft“ der Stiftungen der Sparkasse Leipzig befragte Europas Vergangenheit nach Lehren für Gegenwart und ...
www.leipziger-medienstiftung.de
January 6, 2026 at 8:25 AM
The Media Foundation of Sparkasse Leipzig invites nominations recognising outstanding commitment to media freedom, independent journalism, and pluralism of opinion.
🗓 Deadline: 28 February 2026
🏆 Award ceremony: 8 October 2026
www.leipziger-medienstiftung.de
🗓 Deadline: 28 February 2026
🏆 Award ceremony: 8 October 2026
www.leipziger-medienstiftung.de
Press freedom doesn’t only decline when the far right governs. This article by our Patrick Peltz shows how local journalists in Saxony and Thuringia face threats, intimidation, and subtle silencing amid far-right mobilisation even without national power.
www.tandfonline.com/eprint/JNCRF...
www.tandfonline.com/eprint/JNCRF...
Not Censored, But Silenced: Evidence from Local Journalists in German Far-Right Strongholds
Where the far right comes to power, press freedom typically declines. Yet threats to journalism also emerge in democratic systems where far-right actors are not nationally in government but exert g...
www.tandfonline.com
January 5, 2026 at 9:56 AM
Press freedom doesn’t only decline when the far right governs. This article by our Patrick Peltz shows how local journalists in Saxony and Thuringia face threats, intimidation, and subtle silencing amid far-right mobilisation even without national power.
www.tandfonline.com/eprint/JNCRF...
www.tandfonline.com/eprint/JNCRF...
#Serbia: MFRR consortium requests transparency from BC Partners and United Group regarding any proposed governance models or safeguards affecting editorial independence of the remaining independent media outlets.
December 22, 2025 at 6:00 PM
#Serbia: MFRR consortium requests transparency from BC Partners and United Group regarding any proposed governance models or safeguards affecting editorial independence of the remaining independent media outlets.
🎄 With the holidays ahead, ECPMF sends sincere greetings to you and your loved ones. We wish you resilience, unwavering courage, lasting inspiration, the energy to keep advancing, and above all, good health.
December 19, 2025 at 9:30 AM
🎄 With the holidays ahead, ECPMF sends sincere greetings to you and your loved ones. We wish you resilience, unwavering courage, lasting inspiration, the energy to keep advancing, and above all, good health.
Forced returns to so-called “safe” third countries expose journalists to persecution and repression. The EU must prioritise protection, not endangerment.
Our full statement explains why.
https://www.ecpmf.eu/eus-dangerous-return-hubs-policy-a-threat-to-journalists-in-exile/
Our full statement explains why.
https://www.ecpmf.eu/eus-dangerous-return-hubs-policy-a-threat-to-journalists-in-exile/
December 18, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Forced returns to so-called “safe” third countries expose journalists to persecution and repression. The EU must prioritise protection, not endangerment.
Our full statement explains why.
https://www.ecpmf.eu/eus-dangerous-return-hubs-policy-a-threat-to-journalists-in-exile/
Our full statement explains why.
https://www.ecpmf.eu/eus-dangerous-return-hubs-policy-a-threat-to-journalists-in-exile/
#MediaFreedom must be protected everywhere, including for those forced into exile.
Our latest position paper on Transnational Repression shows how transnational repression is used to intimidate, surveil and silence journalists beyond borders.
www.ecpmf.eu/position-pap...
Our latest position paper on Transnational Repression shows how transnational repression is used to intimidate, surveil and silence journalists beyond borders.
www.ecpmf.eu/position-pap...
Position Paper: Transnational Repression against Journalists in Exile
Transnational repression (TNR), the cross-border targeting, intimidation, and harassment of journalists and human rights defenders, is increasingly undermining press freedom and human rights in Europe...
www.ecpmf.eu
December 18, 2025 at 1:13 PM
#MediaFreedom must be protected everywhere, including for those forced into exile.
Our latest position paper on Transnational Repression shows how transnational repression is used to intimidate, surveil and silence journalists beyond borders.
www.ecpmf.eu/position-pap...
Our latest position paper on Transnational Repression shows how transnational repression is used to intimidate, surveil and silence journalists beyond borders.
www.ecpmf.eu/position-pap...
Support ECPMF’s mission by joining us as a Digital Communications and Outreach Assistant. Engage with journalists and partners while strengthening our online presence: https://ecpmf-sce-mbh.jobs.personio.de/job/2425883?language=en&display=en
December 18, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Support ECPMF’s mission by joining us as a Digital Communications and Outreach Assistant. Engage with journalists and partners while strengthening our online presence: https://ecpmf-sce-mbh.jobs.personio.de/job/2425883?language=en&display=en
You can help us by reporting media freedom violations.
If you know of an incident that hasn’t been documented yet, you can submit it using our online form. Reports can be anonymous, but detailed information and links to sources help us verify each case.
https://www.mappingmediafreedom.org/report-it/
If you know of an incident that hasn’t been documented yet, you can submit it using our online form. Reports can be anonymous, but detailed information and links to sources help us verify each case.
https://www.mappingmediafreedom.org/report-it/
Report it - Mapping Media Freedom
www.mappingmediafreedom.org
December 17, 2025 at 8:00 AM
You can help us by reporting media freedom violations.
If you know of an incident that hasn’t been documented yet, you can submit it using our online form. Reports can be anonymous, but detailed information and links to sources help us verify each case.
https://www.mappingmediafreedom.org/report-it/
If you know of an incident that hasn’t been documented yet, you can submit it using our online form. Reports can be anonymous, but detailed information and links to sources help us verify each case.
https://www.mappingmediafreedom.org/report-it/
Designating countries with documented press freedom violations as “safe” for returns puts journalists in exile at serious risk. EU policy must align with human rights standards. Read our statement.
https://www.ecpmf.eu/eus-dangerous-return-hubs-policy-a-threat-to-journalists-in-exile/
https://www.ecpmf.eu/eus-dangerous-return-hubs-policy-a-threat-to-journalists-in-exile/
EU ‘Return Hubs’ Policy Threatens Journalists in Exile
The EU’s new “Return Hubs” migration policy endangers journalists and human rights defenders in exile by designating unsafe countries as “safe,” undermining press freedom and EU human rights commitments.
www.ecpmf.eu
December 16, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Designating countries with documented press freedom violations as “safe” for returns puts journalists in exile at serious risk. EU policy must align with human rights standards. Read our statement.
https://www.ecpmf.eu/eus-dangerous-return-hubs-policy-a-threat-to-journalists-in-exile/
https://www.ecpmf.eu/eus-dangerous-return-hubs-policy-a-threat-to-journalists-in-exile/
Join us tomorrow at 15:00 CET for @mysociety.org's end-of-year reflections on Access to Information.
ECPMF's Cara Räker will share insights from Monitoring Freedom of Information in Europe Report.
Register here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ati-networ...
ECPMF's Cara Räker will share insights from Monitoring Freedom of Information in Europe Report.
Register here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ati-networ...
ATI Network: Celebrating Wins, Sharing Lessons, Shaping What’s Next
A celebration of the ATI Network’s achievements featuring a keynote from Cara Raeker
www.eventbrite.co.uk
December 16, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Join us tomorrow at 15:00 CET for @mysociety.org's end-of-year reflections on Access to Information.
ECPMF's Cara Räker will share insights from Monitoring Freedom of Information in Europe Report.
Register here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ati-networ...
ECPMF's Cara Räker will share insights from Monitoring Freedom of Information in Europe Report.
Register here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ati-networ...
Journalist Dragana Šćepanović files new lawsuit against the founder of the Aktuelno portal: https://en.vijesti.me/news-b/society/783922/Journalist-Dragana-Scepanovic-files-new-lawsuit-against-the-founder-of-the-portal-Aktuellno
December 16, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Journalist Dragana Šćepanović files new lawsuit against the founder of the Aktuelno portal: https://en.vijesti.me/news-b/society/783922/Journalist-Dragana-Scepanovic-files-new-lawsuit-against-the-founder-of-the-portal-Aktuellno