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European Media Freedom Act

Single market

The purpose of this initiative is to ensure a better functioning and convergent EU media market by enhancing legal certainty and eliminating obstacles to freedoms. Through a legislative instrument, it would set out a mechanism to increase transparency, independence and accountability of actions affecting media markets and media freedom and pluralism within the EU.

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Public consultation

ID: 13206

Lobbying Activity

62 responses

DIGITALEUROPE warns media rules could aid disinformation and burden tech

DIGITALEUROPE, 22 Dec 2022

The organization calls for alignment with existing laws and technical feasibility for device customization. They specifically warn against allowing media outlets to self-certify on large online platforms.
These changes would prevent costly technical mandates and protect the proprietary data of manufacturers.
Citizens lose protections as rogue actors could more easily spread harmful disinformation online.

European Broadcasting Union calls for stronger media independence protections

EBU-UER (European Broadcasting Union), 23 Jan 2023

The EBU requests clarification of principles on public service media, stronger provisions on prominence of services of general interest, and enhanced safeguards against platform interference with media content. They want obligations ensuring easy discovery of public interest media and reliable audience measurement from online platforms.
This would protect public service broadcasters from platform gatekeepers and ensure audience access to their content.
Global platforms lose discretion to restrict media content based on commercial terms alone.

European Broadcasting Union urges comprehensive protections in Media Freedom Act

EBU-UER (European Broadcasting Union), 23 Mar 2022

The EBU requests the EMFA comprehensively protect all media providers from undue political and economic pressure, address threats both offline and online, and respect national competencies. They advocate for principle-based independence rules while warning against full harmonization that could raise proportionality concerns.
This would protect their members' independence while preserving national discretion over public broadcasting systems.

Ibec warns Media Freedom Act risks content moderation loopholes

Ibec, 20 Jan 2023

The group wants narrower definitions for media services to prevent unintended parties from being regulated. They request that content moderation rules align with the Digital Services Act to ensure they are practicable. They also argue against a self-declaration system that might grant special treatment to certain providers.
This would prevent tech platforms from facing unworkable administrative burdens and conflicting legal obligations.
Online safety efforts may suffer if certain media actors receive exemptions from standard moderation.

Commercial Broadcasters Seek EU Media Rules for Tech Giants

Association of Commercial Television and Video on Demand Services in Europe, 16 Dec 2022

ACT requests that social media and video platforms be included in the regulation's scope. They argue for a principle-based approach that respects local markets without adding unnecessary regulatory layers. The group also calls for transparency rules to cover state funds given to tech platforms.
These changes would shield broadcasters from costs while curbing the influence of tech giants.
Global tech platforms would face new transparency obligations and scrutiny of their advertising data.

European Publishers Oppose EU Media Freedom Act as Threat to Press Independence

European Magazine Media Association, 19 Jan 2023

The associations request exclusion of press from EU regulatory oversight and removal of provisions interfering with editorial freedom. They argue the regulation lacks proper legal basis and threatens press independence through unprecedented EU control over editorial decisions and newsroom organization.
This would preserve their editorial autonomy and avoid EU oversight of internal newsroom operations.
Member States with fragile media freedom lose EU regulatory pressure to improve standards.

Reporters Without Borders demands stronger safeguards for trustworthy journalism

Reporters sans frontières, 19 Jan 2023

The organization calls for mandatory internal charters to protect editorial teams from owner interference. They suggest using certifiable professional standards to identify and promote trustworthy media online. Finally, they demand strict judicial oversight for any surveillance of journalists.
These rules would grant high-quality media outlets a significant competitive advantage online.
Authoritarian regimes and disinformation providers would face stricter barriers to the European market.

Reporters Without Borders urges binding European Media Freedom Act

Reporters sans frontières, 24 Mar 2022

The organization requests a binding legislative act rather than recommendations, establishment of protection mechanisms for the EU's democratic information space including reciprocity requirements, and integration of the Journalism Trust Initiative to promote reliable news sources.
This would strengthen their advocacy framework and provide enforceable standards for press freedom.
State-controlled media from authoritarian countries lose easier access to EU information markets.

European journalists' union urges stronger protections in Media Freedom Act

European Federation of Journalists, 19 Jan 2023

The federation requests strengthened safeguards for source protection, editorial independence, and media ownership transparency. They demand explicit inclusion of freelance journalists in protections, ex-ante judicial authorization for surveillance, and binding transparency rules. They oppose leaving content moderation decisions to platforms and want stronger enforcement mechanisms.
This would protect their members from surveillance and interference while ensuring sustainable funding.
Governments and platforms lose flexibility in surveillance and content moderation decisions.

Sky Group urges protection for editorial curation and harmonization

Sky Group, 23 Jan 2023

Sky Group wants Article 19 adapted to safeguard editorial curation and technical feasibility. They advocate for a unified Regulation to avoid market fragmentation across member states. They also seek to protect proprietary audience measurement methodologies from competing online platforms.
Harmonized rules and curation protections would lower costs and maintain brand control.
Large online platforms would lose access to valuable competitor audience measurement data.

Consultation response

X International Unlimited Company, 21 Mar 2022

Please find attached Twitter's feedback on the European Media Freedom Act.

Consultation response

Deutsche Welle, 21 Mar 2022

Deutsche Welle (DW), Germany’s international broadcaster, fully supports the stated objectives of the upcoming Media Freedom Act (MFA) to protect and strengthen media freedom, media independence, and media pluralism in the EU. DW recognizes the need for greater harmonization of media policy in…

Frank Bold Society urges stronger media transparency and independence

Frank Bold Society, 23 Jan 2023

They propose lowering transparency thresholds for local government advertising. They reject media exemptions on platforms and demand media board independence.
Stricter rules would help the organization achieve its goal of increasing government transparency.
Political actors lose the ability to covertly influence regional media through advertising.

Schibsted urges EU to protect publisher editorial control

Schibsted, 21 Dec 2022

Schibsted requests that media freedom principles remain non-binding without EU-level enforcement. They demand that the law explicitly recognize a publisher's right to set the editorial line.
Limiting the media board's oversight prevents regulatory delays during corporate mergers and acquisitions.
Large tech platforms face stricter limitations on their ability to moderate or restrict news content.

European Partnership for Democracy demands stronger protections for journalists

European Partnership for Democracy, 23 Jan 2023

EPD advocates for mandatory judicial authorization before surveilling journalists and rejects the proposed content moderation exemptions. They also demand removing the transparency exemption for local governments regarding state advertising.
This would empower civil society to monitor ownership and expose hidden government influence.
Propagandists and secretive governments lose the ability to manipulate media without scrutiny.

News Media Europe Urges National Control Over Media Freedom

News Media Europe, 20 Dec 2022

News Media Europe wants media policy to stay under national control rather than central EU regulation. They argue for flexible merger rules to ensure financial survival and better protection against tech platforms removing their content.
This allows publishers to consolidate their businesses while restricting tech platforms from removing editorial content.
EU regulators lose the authority to enforce common standards across diverse national media landscapes.

Consultation response

News Media Europe, 21 Mar 2022

Please see attached document "News Media Europe Response to call for evidence on MFA - March 2022"

European Publishers Council opposes new EU media regulation

European Publishers Council, 25 Mar 2022

The Council opposes the European Media Freedom Act, arguing media regulation is a member state competence and the Commission already has rule of law tools. They warn against harmonizing ownership rules or imposing editorial requirements, stating consolidation provides needed investment and diversity.
This would preserve their editorial independence and avoid new regulatory compliance costs.
No specific harms to other groups are identified in the feedback.

Access Now urges rejection of media privilege in EMFA

Access Now Europe, 23 Jan 2023

Access Now calls for the rejection of Article 17 to prevent rogue actors gaining privileged treatment. They recommend focusing on Digital Services Act enforcement and broadening the spyware definition.
This would protect users by ensuring consistent content moderation rules under the Digital Services Act.
State-controlled propaganda outlets lose the ability to bypass moderation through the self-declaration system.

CCIA Europe urges safeguards against media content moderation loopholes

Computer & Communications Industry Association, 20 Dec 2022

CCIA Europe recommends narrowing media provider definitions and improving self-declaration processes to prevent abuse. They also seek an 18-month implementation period to ensure alignment with existing laws.
Tech firms would avoid liability for hosting disinformation and reduce new regulatory costs.
Mainstream media outlets would lose their guaranteed special status on internet platforms.

Consultation response

Eutelsat, 24 Mar 2022

Veuillez trouver ci-joint la réponse d'Eutelsat à l’appel à contribution « Préserver la liberté des médias dans l'UE - nouvelles règles ».

German digital industry urges binding media prominence rules

ZVEI e.V. - Verband der Elektro- und Digitalindustrie, 10 Nov 2022

The association demands binding rules for media prominence instead of non-binding guidelines. They insist that user interface customization must remain technically feasible for manufacturers. They also oppose regulatory intervention in device hardware and interface design.
Binding harmonization would prevent the need for costly, country-specific device designs.
Member States lose the ability to impose unique national prominence requirements.

CPJ urges stronger source protection in Media Freedom Act

Committee to Protect Journalists, 23 Jan 2023

CPJ advocates for stricter limits on surveillance and better source protections. They request mandatory judicial authorization and a guaranteed right to encryption.
Reporters would obtain stronger legal immunity against official interference and surveillance.
Local governments in small regions would lose their exemption from advertising rules.

MFE urges EU media rules to challenge global tech giants

MFE - MEDIAFOREUROPE N.V, 23 Jan 2023

MFE supports a unified Regulation to help European broadcasters gain scale. They request safeguards against arbitrary content removal by online platforms. The group wants guaranteed visibility for local channels on connected devices.
Harmonized rules would reduce market fragmentation and help the company achieve economies of scale.
Global tech giants lose their current ability to prioritize services through exclusive commercial agreements.

Eurocadres Urges Stronger Protections for Journalists and Media Stability

EUROCADRES - THE COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN PROFESSIONAL AND MANAGERIAL STAFF, 29 Dec 2022

The organization calls for effective judicial protection against retaliation and illicit surveillance of journalists. They advocate for funding to stabilize working conditions and improve employment predictability for freelancers. Additionally, they request transparent disclosure of indirect media ownership and management interests.
These measures would improve the safety and job security of the professionals they represent.
Large digital platforms and opaque media owners would face stricter public oversight and disclosure requirements.

Scientific Publishers Warn Against State-Run Academic Publishing Platforms

International Association of Scientific, Technical and Medical Publishers, 25 Mar 2022

The organization urges policymakers to avoid prescriptive policies favoring state-run publishing platforms. They advocate for preserving editorial independence and maintaining a competitive market where commercial and non-commercial publishers collaborate freely.
This would protect their market position against government-funded competitors and preserve current business models.
Advocates for open access lose potential publicly-funded alternatives to commercial publishers.

German publishers reject proposed EU Media Freedom Act regulation

Bundesverband Digitalpublisher und Zeitungsverleger, 23 Mar 2022

The BDZV rejects any EU press regulation beyond current directives. They argue the EU lacks legal competence for general media law. They prefer better protections against platform censorship within digital regulations.
Publishers preserve their total editorial authority and avoid interference from regulators.
Editorial staff lose legal independence because owners retain complete control over content.

Consultation response

Medienverband der freien Presse e.V., 23 Mar 2022

Pressefreiheit in der EU bedarf keiner Regulierung. Im Gegenteil, wir sind überzeugt, dass eine Regulierung der freien Presse negative Auswirkungen auf die Freiheit und Vielfalt der Presse in der EU haben wird. Nicht umsonst gehören gerade die EU-Mitgliedstaaten, in denen es die geringsten…

VAUNET warns EU media rules threaten economic growth and sovereignty

VAUNET - Verband Privater Medien e. V., 16 Jan 2023

VAUNET calls for a minimum harmonization by a directive to protect Member State sovereignty. They argue that additional European rules on media mergers and editorial independence should be avoided.
This flexibility would help media companies grow and lower their legal costs.
The European Commission loses power to block mergers or supervise national media standards.

GIGAEurope calls for removal of content customization right

GIGAEurope aisbl, 23 Jan 2023

The association demands the removal of the right for users to customize media offerings. They also call for binding guidelines on public interest content and streamlined merger reviews.
This would protect their editorial control and reduce technical burdens on hardware design.
Consumers would lose the legal right to override pre-installed settings on their devices.

Civil Liberties Union Urges Stronger Media Independence and Transparency

Civil Liberties Union for Europe, 20 Jan 2023

Liberties seeks to limit the circumstances of journalist surveillance and broaden media ownership transparency. They demand the media board receive more autonomy and recommend rejecting Article 17 privileges. The group also proposes lowering the threshold for reporting on state advertising spending.
This would advance their mission by embedding human rights protections into EU media law.
Opaque local governments and rogue media outlets would lose their ability to hide funding.

Consultation response

Creative Commons, 18 Mar 2022

Creative Commons (CC) welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on Safeguarding media freedom in the EU – new rules. CC fully supports the EU’s initiative to enhance its legislative framework in order to further defend and protect media freedoms in the EU and globally. We strongly believe…

Consultation response

International Press Institute, 23 Jan 2023

Position of the International Press Institute (IPI) on the European Media Freedom Act Submitted as part of the European Commissions Public Consultation on January 23, 2023 Introduction The International Press Institute welcomes the proposal for the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) as a crucial…

Czech Chamber of Commerce warns against EU media regulation risks

Hospodářská komora České republiky, 20 Jan 2023

The Chamber believes existing rules are sufficient and warns that new regulations could paradoxically worsen the position of media. They oppose giving the European Commission power to issue guidelines and suggest protecting current editorial management roles.
Preventing new regulation allows media companies to avoid additional compliance costs and bureaucratic oversight.
European citizens may face restricted free speech if political shifts lead to the misuse of media regulations.

Consultation response

Europäisches Zentrum für Presse- und Medienfreiheit, 23 Jan 2023

ECPMF welcomes the European Commissions proposal for a European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), as it represents an important opportunity to advance media freedom and pluralism in the EU. We urge the co-legislators move ahead swiftly with the legislative process to ensure that the moment is seized during…

Consultation response

Die Medienanstalten - Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Landesmedienanstalten in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, 21 Mar 2022

Die Medienanstalten begrüßen die Initiative der Kommission, einen Legislativvorschlag für die Europäische Medienfreiheit einzubringen. Zu begrüßende Aspekte: Vor allem die Schaffung eines wirksamen, unabhängigen Überwachungsmechanismus auf EU-Ebene, der auf den Strukturen der ERGA aufbaut,…

Consultation response

Europe's People's Forum, 2 Jan 2022

CITIZEN’S RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE MEDIA FREEDOM IN EU Safeguarding media freedom and pluralism in the internal market (Media Freedom Act Citizens’ concerns for independent and pluralistic media Independent media and freedom of speech were among the top priorities, when Panel 2 on European…

Consultation response

The European Video on Demand Coalition, 23 Jan 2023

The European VOD Coalition (the Coalition) welcomes the opportunity to further discuss the European Commissions proposal for a European Media Freedom Act (EMFA). Please find the Coalition's position paper in the attached document.

Consultation response

Mérték Médiaelemző Műhely Közhasznú Nonprofit Kft, 25 Mar 2022

The attached file shows the main nodes of Hungarian media policy after 2010. It shows how the combination of legal, economic and political instruments has effectively limited media freedom and diversity. All elements of the media value chain have come under tight political control, market…

Consultation response

Advertising Information Group, 23 Jan 2023

On behalf of the European advertising and media associations we represent, the Advertising Information Group (AIG) (transparency number: 11220347045-31), writes to respond to the European Commissions consultation on new rules to safeguarding media freedom in the EU. Advertising makes an important…

Consultation response

Coalition for Creativity, 14 Dec 2022

In this submission, the Coalition for Creativity (C4C) outlines the need to delete Articles 17 and 18 from the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA). We justify this position as follows: 1. The DSA and the P2B Regulation suffice and there is no need for a specific media content moderation privilege:…

Consultation response

Fundación Maldita.es contra la desinformación: periodismo, educación investigación y datos en nuevos formatos, 23 Mar 2022

We welcome this initiative and all efforts that can lead to a stronger role of journalism in society, particularly through the protection of Media freedom and pluralism. In that regard the EMFA represents a great opportunity in the fight against disinformation in Europe but, for the same reasons,…

Consultation response

Global Forum for Media Development, 23 Jan 2023

The Global Forum for Media Developemnt (GFMD) is aware that independent media, which provides an essential public service, has been declining for nearly a decade. The collapse of the traditional journalistic business model, growing political polarisation, democratic backsliding, and the added…

Consultation response

Lie Detectors, 23 Jan 2023

Please see attached the a position paper jointly submitted by Lie Detectors (www.lie-detectors.org) and the Global Media Registry (https://www.mom-gmr.org/en/about/gmr/).

Consultation response

Asociación de Medios de Información, 23 Jan 2023

We thank the European Commission for giving us the opportunity to guve feedback on the MFA. Please see the attached file.

Consultation response

Agora Spółka Akcyjna, 23 Jan 2023

As one of the largest media groups with a presence in the Polish market, Agora welcomes the European Commission's efforts to protect media freedom, which is the basis for the functioning of democratic governments in the European Union. Taking measures to ensure journalistic independence and the…

Consultation response

Sdružení pro internetový rozvoj, 23 Jan 2023

SPIR (Association for Internet Progress) is a long-established association representing the most important Czech players in the local Internet economy from among media (publishers, TVs), advertising agencies and technology companies with a total turnover of more than 37 billion CZK per year. The…

Consultation response

Związek Pracodawców Branży Internetowej Interactive Advertising Bureau Polska, 23 Jan 2023

IAB Poland is an organization with more than 200 members, including both the largest Internet portals, broadcasters and providers of audiovisual media services and press publishers. For IAB Poland, the issue of freedom of speech, the right to information as well as the related media pluralism,…

Consultation response

Ökotárs Alapítvány - Hungarian Environmental Partnership Foundation, 20 Oct 2022

Our main concern is how civil society, its organisations and activities are presented in media, especially in Member States where civil space is shrinking and CSOs are under pressure. Government-controlled media in these countries is often the main vehicle that delivers smear campaigns against…

Consultation response

Związek Pracodawców Branży Internetowej Interactive Advertising Bureau Polska, 25 Mar 2022

IAB Polska, jako zrzeszenie ponad 200 członków, wśród których znajdują się m.in. największe portale internetowe, nadawcy i dostawcy audiowizualnych usług medialnych oraz wydawcy prasy, z dużym zadowoleniem przyjmujemy inicjatywę Komisji zmierzającą do umacniania wolności i pluralizmu mediów. W…

Consultation response

Corporacion Radio Television Espanola, 21 Mar 2022

En las aportaciones ante la Comisión Europea, la Corporación RTVE respalda, tomando en consideración el nuevo escenario que se deriva de la invasión rusa de Ucrania, lo siguiente: 1. Un cambio del actual marco legislativo de los medios y servicios de comunicación, incluidos los servicios públicos…

Consultation response

Syndicat de la presse indépendante d'information en ligne, 18 Mar 2022

Dans cette contribution, le Spiil se concentre sur trois des quatre objectifs fixés par la Commission : la cohérence des normes réglementaires du marché des médias, le pluralisme de l’offre médiatique et une concurrence non faussée entre entreprises de médias pour une répartition transparente et…

Consultation response

Leibniz Institut für Medienforschung | Hans-Bredow-Institut, 18 Mar 2022

The Leibniz Institute for Media Research | Hans-Bredow-Institut, Hamburg welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Call for evidence for an impact assessment - Ares(2021)7899801, Safeguarding media freedom and pluralism in the internal market (Media Freedom Act). Please find the contribution…

Consultation response

Asociación de Usuarios de la Comunicación, 9 Mar 2022

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Consultation response

Centro per la cooperazione internazionale, 23 Jan 2023

The Centro per la Cooperazione Internazionale (CCI) joined the wider European community in analysing and evaluating the European Commission's proposed European Media Freedom Act (EMFA). In its work, it focused on the sections of the regulation dedicated to the protection of journalistic sources,…

Consultation response

Suomen Journalistiliitto - Finlands Journalistförbund ry, 23 Jan 2023

Journalistiliitto kiittää mahdollisuudesta kommentoida eurooppalaista medianvapaussäädöstä. Säädös on edelleen tietyiltä muotoiluiltaan epätarkka. Median toimintaa koskevan viranomaissääntelyn tulee aina olla erittäin hyvin perusteltua ja tarkkaan rajattua. Nyt säädöksessä mm. mainitaan median…

Consultation response

Faktograf - Association for the Informed Public, 20 Jan 2023

Faktograf welcomes this initiative for strengthening the free and pluralistic media system and the commitment to protect journalists and editorial independence within the European Union. Our comments on this Proposal (in the attachment) provide some insights and perspectives that call for…

Consultation response

, 17 Jan 2023

Please find our feedback in the attached document.

Consultation response

Global Institute for Structure relevance, Anonymity and Decentralisation i.G., 25 Mar 2022

>>Challenges: GISAD welcomes the initiative to protect the freedom and diversity of media in the internal market. To preserve democracy in a digital society, disinformation must be fought and independent free media must be supported. GISAD has already taken a position on the initiative against…

Consultation response

Asociatia Principia, 22 Mar 2022

And what are this concrete steps that will EU take to ensure the protection of journalists? It is not clear what these measures are that you are going to applied to ensure the safety of these persons. In the Commission Recommendation from 16.9.2021 on ensuring the protection, safety and capacity of…

Consultation response

FIRST Public Relations Sp. z o.o., 7 Feb 2022

Media Freedom Act address just part of the problem and is designed in the interest of the media. I believe it should rather speak in the interest of public opinion, focus on public right to access true information, avoid disinformation and preserve the freedom of expression. Media are only…

Consultation response

studio maggiolo pedini associati, 11 Jan 2022

Credo sia molto importante che i media mantengano la loro libertà di espressione come rappresentazione del libero pensiero, a prescindere dalle ideologie o dei schieramenti. Una pluralità di opinioni e di espressioni possono permettere di acquisire maggiori informazioni alle persone, affinché…