TIRANA, May 18 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Jan Braathu spoke at a media freedom conference. He said free, independent and secure journalism represents a foundation for society and democracy. He also said ethical and transparent journalism is essential for any democratic system. He stressed that free media is not an optional component of open societies but a necessary precondition.
He noted that OSCE work in challenging environments has contributed to advancing media freedom. He said efforts have focused on practical solutions across different dimensions of the media landscape. In 2025, the focus remained on media safety and conditions for journalists to remain independent and sustainable in the long term. This year, attention shifted to strengthening journalism as a public good.
At the same time, he said the conditions enabling journalism to fulfil its role are increasingly under pressure. He pointed to digital transformation, economic constraints and artificial intelligence as key factors reshaping how information is produced and consumed. He added that access to information has increased, but ethical, ownership and sustainability debates have also intensified.
Meanwhile, he warned that polarization is deepening across societies. He said trust in institutions, including media, is under threat. He also referred to increasing risks for journalists, including public and political pressure, physical attacks and online harassment.
In conclusion, he said weakened journalism affects more than the media sector. He said it undermines public debate, political accountability, institutional resilience and national security. He reiterated that journalism as a public good is not optional but essential.
/a.p./
The post OSCE representative: Free and independent journalism is the foundation of democratic society, weak media undermines national security appeared first on RTSH English.
