‘Landmark’ EU media-freedom act now applies
The main provisions of an EU regulation aimed at protecting media pluralism and independence will apply from today (8 August).
In a statement, European Parliament vice-president Sabine Veheyen described the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) as “a landmark for press freedom in the EU”.
She added, however, that its true value would be measured in action, not words.
“Now begins the real work: ensuring every member state implements the EMFA fully and faithfully,” stated Veheyen, who chairs a group of MEPs that will scrutinise the law’s implementation.
Some of the key elements of the EMFA include:
- Protection of journalistic sources,
- Safeguards for the independence of public service media,
- Transparency of media ownership,
- Safeguards against the removal of recognised media content by ‘very large online platforms’ – those with over 45 million monthly users,
- Procedures for the assessment of media mergers, and
- Transparency requirements in relation to audience-measurement systems and State advertising.
Draft bill
The Government last month approved a draft bill that will give effect to the main elements of the EMFA in Irish law.
Under the Media Regulation Bill, responsibility for the assessment of media mergers will transfer from the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to Coimisiún na Meán (CnaM).
The Government has said that, while most of the EU act's provisions are in line with the existing regulatory framework in Ireland, legislation is needed to fully implement some elements in Irish law.