OSCE Representative encourages authorities in Iceland to preserve strong and independent media

REYKJAVIK, 8 September 2015 – Ending her two-day visit to Reykjavik, OSCE Representative on Freedom of Media Dunja Mijatović encouraged the authorities in Iceland to continue their efforts to strengthen media freedom and pluralism in the country.  

“Iceland has an outstanding and longstanding tradition of preserving and safeguarding free expression and free media,” Mijatović said. “These achievements, which have been widely recognized by the international community, need to be protected and preserved.”

During her visit Mijatović discussed media freedom challenges in Iceland and in the OSCE region with senior government officials, civil society and media representatives. The discussions on the media freedom situation in Iceland mainly focused on the challenges for the public service broadcaster, decriminalization of defamation laws and how to secure effective protection of media pluralism, including transparency of media ownership.

“I was pleased to learn more about the progress of the work in implementing the Icelandic Modern Media Initiative aimed at improving protection for free media in the country,” Mijatović said. “Initiatives like this can serve as a positive example for the whole OSCE region.”

During Mijatović’s visit to Iceland, her first official visit to the country, the Representative met with Foreign Minister Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson, Education, Science and Culture Minister Illugi Gunnarsson, members of the Parliament, as well as the Union of Icelandic Journalists, the Icelandic Modern Media Initiative, the Steering Committee for Freedom of Expression and Information, and the Icelandic Media Commission. Mijatović also gave a lecture at the University of Iceland on the challenges to freedom of expression, offline and online.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.