Petr Jedlička: The European experience: The fight for the independence of public media must be waged everywhere

Monday, Jun 22, 2026

Public media independence is a global struggle, evident from Hungary to Italy; fighting for editorial freedom remains constant across Europe.

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The struggle for independent public media is a widespread issue across Europe, despite perceived national differences. While some countries, like the Czech Republic, exhibit unique oligarchic control over state institutions, the core problem remains one of maintaining editorial independence. The article highlights similar struggles in Hungary, where rebuilding institutional foundations after years of Fidesz rule was necessary; Poland, where TVP’s leadership shifted following elections; Austria, where ORF faces issues with its management and perceived political bias; Greece, where ERT is criticized for its closeness to the government and handling of major incidents; Lithuania, which has seen protests against attempts to alter media governance rules; and Italy, where RAI is reportedly under significant political influence due to procedural maneuvers. The overarching message is that preserving the independence of public media requires continuous struggle across all European nations.


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