redazione 27 June 2024
MFRR delegation during the advocacy mission in Romania

Urgent reform of political funding for ‘press and propaganda’ needed to end media dependency on political parties

The mission’s key findings

Political Influence and Media Coverage:

  • The pervasive influence of political party funds on media results in biased coverage primarily in favour of the governing coalition.
  • The political funding creates a pliant media that fails to hold government to account and undermines public trust in media.
  • The lack of transparency over the distribution of state advertising funds controlled by elected officials, further exacerbates the capture of media, particularly at the regional and local level. 
  • The lack of transparency over other sources of funding, business ties and other conflicts of interests between media and politicians also compromise the capacity of media to serve the public.

Vexatious SLAPP Lawsuits:

  • Romanian media are targeted with an alarming number of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) aimed at silencing investigative journalism and critical reporting. These lawsuits, often initiated by powerful political figures and business interests, rarely win in court, but instead succeed in intimidating and financially draining media outlets.

Safety:

  • Online harassment and threats directed at journalists - particularly women journalists - create a growing climate of hostility designed to silence journalists. The authorities must do more to address this problem and protect journalists, particularly from online trolling and smear campaigns. 

 

For the full mission set of findings and recommendations, click here (ENG)