At this critical point in time, independent journalists, public interest media and civil society organisations in countries around the world need decisive support. They are directly and severely impacted by the current US administration’s decision to freeze financial support to independent media.
Therefore, we – a coalition of media organisations concerned with media freedom, journalists’ safety, and every person’s right to access unbiased and fact-based information – call on the European Union and European states to step up their support for independent media.
Robust financial and political support are urgently needed to ensure that independent public interest media can survive this imminent crisis. Reliable information saves lives, fosters accountability and empowers people to make informed decisions. Without it, people in all parts of the world will be adversely affected, and not only those living in low- and middle-income countries. Wherever reliable, independent media are weakened, propaganda and vested interests inevitably fill the gap.
We are facing the risk of a mass silencing of independent media that will have an immense social impact and further imperil the global development agenda and international peace.
Free, pluralistic and reliable public interest media are indispensable for democracy and human progress. At this critical time, comprehensive European support is vital to their survival.
This call is initiated by the following European media development organisations : CFI (France), DW Akademie (Germany), Fondation Hirondelle (Switzerland) and International Media Support (Denmark).