OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media meets with Ambassador of Ireland

On 15 March, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM), Teresa Ribeiro, met with Ambassador Kevin Dowling, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the OSCE, to discuss the current media situation in Ireland and across the OSCE region.

Ribeiro and Dowling shared the view that safety of journalists remains a priority issue across the OSCE region, with threats against journalists and other media workers increasingly arising from a growing distrust of the media by the public. While discussing the challenges around tackling disinformation, they underlined that the OSCE provides an appropriate framework to discuss the matter, which goes far beyond freedom of expression.

Ribeiro and Dowling agreed that rapidly advancing technologies are heavily influencing the media landscape, and its sustainability. Artificial intelligence is used to shape behavior, manipulating the way media and information is consumed; Ribeiro confirmed that her Office is addressing this issue by developing guidance for various stakeholders.

The multifaceted and intricacy of media freedom challenges today require a comprehensive approach. Ribeiro emphasized her commitment to having a systematic approach, underlining that isolated incidents of media freedom violations do not always provide a full picture, which is of particular relevance for the early warning function of her mandate. To this end, Ribeiro insisted, she wants to give diplomacy a chance and maintain regular dialogue with all OSCE participating States.

To conclude, Dowling extended an invitation to the RFoM for an official visit to Ireland, once it is safe to travel.