OSCE Media Freedom Representative report reveals alarming link between media freedom and democracy erosion in OSCE region
VIENNA, 11 May 2023 - The current setbacks in media freedom in the OSCE region are not isolated incidents, but are closely linked to the larger political and social contexts in which they occur stated Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) Teresa Ribeiro today during the presentation of her bi-annual report to the OSCE Permanent Council.
She noted an erosion of democracy and a backsliding of human rights, accompanied by increasingly polarized societies, diminishing trust in democratic institutions, and the rise of extremist movements and populism. “Declining trust in democratic governance and institutions goes hand in hand with a decline in trust in the media. This, in turn, has affected adversely the sustainability, independence, and diversity of the media and their ability to promote democracy, the rule of law, security and peace,” said Ribeiro.
In her report, Ribeiro stressed that independent quality media is an essential pillar of democracy, holding power to account, promoting human rights, diversity and equality, and enhancing social cohesion and peacebuilding. She urged the participating States to reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that media freedom is a fundamental prerequisite for the establishment of peaceful societies, fostering mutual understanding among nations, and is an integral component of overall security.
Ribeiro also addressed the challenges posed by the unprecedented spread of false narratives, propaganda and disinformation facilitated by digital technologies and their impact on our communities. She noted that manipulative practices that influence information have become instrumentalized, while emphasizing the dangers of amplifying malign content in the online information space. The Representative also noted that the war by the Russian Federation against Ukraine has created a new reality: “One where we are faced with an increasing level of weaponization of information, blurring the lines between freedom of expression and its misuse for disinformation and propaganda for war, creating chaos and distrust in the media and other democratic institutions.”
She cautioned against regulatory proposals aimed at further controlling information flows and restricting free speech online, stressing the need to center the use of technologies that impact online information spaces on international human rights standards.
Ribeiro urged the participating States to protect and enhance media freedom in the OSCE region, promote independent quality media, and foster an information space that serves the public interest. “By providing reliable information, explanations, and analyses, the media enables a public debate and an informed and active citizenry. This facilitates free and independent elections and other forms of public participation and community engagement, including in decision-making processes, and contributes to peace and democracy,” said Ribeiro.
The report can found here: https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/a/a/543366_0.pdf
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.