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This follows a call for evidence published on 21 December 2021 outlining the main aims of the initiative, possible options and impacts.
Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, said:
Media are a pillar of democracy. But today this pillar is cracking, with attempts by governments and private groups to put pressure on the media. This is why the Commission will propose common rules and safeguards to protect the independence and the pluralism of the media. Journalists should be able to do their work, inform citizens and hold power to account without fear or favour. We are now consulting broadly to come up with the best proposal.
Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton added:
We must make sure that European media remains independent, innovative and sustainable, and operates without any unjustified interference in their activities, be it private or public. Today we launch our consultation on the upcoming Media Freedom Act: we want to hear your views and explore your solutions for a resilient media market, which delivers diverse and reliable information to citizens.