Free, but Not Independent

In recent years we have seen a growing trend away from guaranteeing free and independent reporting in many countries in East and South East Europe. Poor-quality reporting, inadequate training for journalists, a growing divergence between media law and media reality, coercive measures and administrative restrictions on the part of the state, political and financial dependencies as well as the blurring of lines between the private and state spheres are typical of the situation in the region.