EBU urges EU policymakers to safeguard Europe’s media sector in new term On 10 September, the EBU called on EU officials to prioritise Europe’s media landscape in the new legislative mandate. As European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen forms her College of Commissioners, the EBU highlights the urgent need for a strong media portfolio.

Wouter Gekiere, Head of the EBU Brussels Office, commented: “Media freedom, independence, and pluralism are key pillars of democracy. A diverse and robust media sector is critical for maintaining an informed public and a healthy democratic process.We urge the newly elected MEPs and the incoming European Commission to safeguard media integrity, both online and offline. Europe’s media are facing significant threats, and it is essential that EU policymakers ensure resilience and the continued ability to serve the public interest.”

To tackle growing challenges to media freedom and diversity , the EU must protect independent media and journalists. This can be achieved by ensuring that Member States adhere to the Rule of Law and fully implement EU legislation aimed at safeguarding media freedom, such as the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA).

The way that content gets displayed on devices and interfaces, such as connected TVs or cars, shapes how audiences consume and engage with media. The EU must ensure that people can find or discover general interest media by requiring national and regional authorities to guarantee appropriate prominence for general interest media.

The Digital Services Act (DSA), Digital Markets Act (DMA) and EMFA all seek to address the overwhelming power of big tech. To ensure that these new laws make a difference, the EU must commit to holding big tech accountable by effective enforcement to prevent large tech platforms from undermining media integrity.

The EU needs to develop an AI and media strategy by adopting a comprehensive approach to generative AI that protects media content, ensures audience trust, and supports a vibrant media ecosystem.

Media issues must stay at the forefront of the EU’s agenda so that the necessary safeguards are in place to advance them. This is essential for the consistent application of existing legislation and for developing new initiatives to protect and enhance Europe’s media sector.