The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) joined the Democracy Alive Summit organised by the European Movement International on 6 November 2024. That very morning, it was announced that Donald Trump, a champion of spreading disinformation, had been re-elected President of the United States of America for four years. The panellists shared their thoughts on the consequences of this news for our European democracies and discussed the current challenges to democracy.
EFJ Director Renate Schroeder participated in a panel discussion about “Media Freedom in Europe: Challenges and Threat”. She reiterated the essential role of journalism in safeguarding democracy and the main phenomena threatening the news sector: the lack of strong business models for independent journalism, the unprecedented attacks on journalists and media freedom, and the increasing disinformation, spoofing, and the misuse of Artificial Intelligence.
It is no news that the social and economic situation of journalists is extremely worrying. Renate Schroeder listed the EFJ’s proposal for a better and healthier European journalism. The impoverishment of the sector requires institutions to invest at arm’s length, but European policymakers must also guarantee the safety of journalists through an adequate legal environment. Another area to requiring urgent regulation is generative AI: the EFJ demands significant transparency regarding learning models, mandatory and fair remuneration, ethical guidelines, and human oversight. Finally, Renate Schroeder mentioned the need for safety measures regarding platforms and strategies to strengthen diversity in the journalism sector. These safety measures should include solutions to impunity and spyware and prevent both physical and online violence against journalists.
“By implementing these diverse hiring practices, the media can not only strengthen the voices of women and underrepresented groups but also enhance the overall quality and relevance of journalism in society,” said EFJ Director Renate Schroeder, alluding to “Stand-Up for Journalism in Europe”.
Turbulences for the public service in Italy
The state of democracy In Italy was addressed by Vittorio di Trapani, President of the Federazione Nazionale Stampa Italiana (FNSI), who warned against the government’s takeover of the public broadcaster, Radiotelevisione Italiana (RAI). This situation prompted an urgent mission by the Media Freedom Rapid Response in May 2024, which concluded that Italy was drifting towards democracy. Attacks on RAI funding, political meddling, intimidation of journalists critical of the government, are some of the latest threats from the government of Georgia Meloni.
“The three pillars for the independence of public service in Italy [independence through the law, through the management, through the finances] are very fragile,” declared Vittorio Di Trapani, President of the Federazione Nazionale Stampa Italiana (FNSI).
So can the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) improve RAI’s situation? EMFA brings hope to Italian journalists, but it is essentially principle-based, said Di Trapani. The way the legal text is written would allow the Italian government to assure the EU of their goodwill to guarantee public media independence and good working conditions for journalists, without backing up intentions with action.
Looking back: Commissioner Jourova on facing these challenges
In her intervention, Commissioner for Transparency and Values Vera Jourova highlighted the need for a societal response to current challenges mentioned above: “We need to mobilise society to be more active and more vocal. [We need] societal resistance, she said” The implementation of EMFA and the fight against local news deserts were also presented as crucial for the future of Europe.
Source: EFJ
