Our weekly round-up of public service media related stories and headlines from around the world
Public media is in peril and facing many challenges. Social media platforms are presenting an existential crisis to public service media. Governments are trying to extend their control and influence on the editorial output of the broadcasters. Funding systems for many are up in the air. Journalists are facing threats, attacks and harassment, both online and in-person. But it’s also an exciting time for public service media – digital platforms provide new opportunities to reach audiences, technology means public broadcasters can be innovative in how they provide a public service.
Every week, PMA compiles all the latest news from the public media and media freedom industry. Have a story to feature? Get in touch!
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Our PSM Research and Resources page brings together all the latest academic studies looking into the world of public media.
What we're watching...
World Press Freedom Day: Why it’s about more than journalists
DW: Free speech is usually framed as a battle over who gets to speak. Former UN rapporteur David Kaye argues the real issue is something else entirely: your right to know—and who is reshaping that right today.
What we're listening to...
Basia Cummings – “The skill of a good editor and journalist is to imagine the reader and hold them in your mind”
Women in Journalism: For episode 2 we were joined by Basia Cummings, Deputy Editor of the Observer. Basia is an award-winning journalist, who has sensitively investigated topics from the ethics and dangers of freelance war journalism to the presence of Russian mercenaries in Ukraine and parts of Africa. At Tortoise, the slow news organisation that has now taken ownership of The Observer, she also launched multiple award-winning podcasts, including the Daily Sensemaker, Sweet Bobby, Pig Iron and the Slow Newscast.
In our discussion (recorded in April), she shared some of the challenges and opportunities that come with reviving a legacy publication, what makes an investigation worth the investment and how parenthood has influenced her career. Take a listen to understand how Basia was drawn to stories behind the headlines throughout her career.
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BOTSWANA: Botswana public broadcaster opens airwaves to international ads
Bizcommunity: Botswana’s public broadcaster has removed a long-standing requirement that all television and radio commercials aired on its platforms be produced locally, following sustained lobbying from regional media stakeholders.
BURKINA FASO: Burkina Faso suspends another foreign news channel, over the ‘glorification of terrorism’
Business Insider Africa: Burkina Faso has suspended the French TV channel TV5 Monde over the dissemination of false information and what the country described as embellishing terrorism.
ETHIOPIA: Stabbed by Social Media, Silenced by the Gun: Slow death of journalism in Ethiopia
Addis Standard: As the world commemorates World Press Freedom Day on 3 May 2026, a bitter irony darkens the celebration.
ETHIOPIA: UNESCO Calls for Stronger Press Freedom Protections Ahead of 2026 Elections
The Reporter Ethiopia: Representatives of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have called for stronger protections for journalists and greater support for independent media ahead of Ethiopia’s 2026 elections, warning that press freedom remains under growing pressure globally.
LIBERIA: Pres. Boakai Commissions US$5.5 Million Broadcast Complex at LBS
The New Dawn Liberia: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has commissioned a state-of-the-art US$5.5 million television and radio broadcasting complex at the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS), describing the new facility as “bringing LBS back on track as a world-class broadcasting institution.”
LIBYA: UN demands protection for Libyan journalists amid political crisis
APA News: The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has issued a call for all Libyan stakeholders to respect and protect freedom of expression, specifically warning against violations that target journalists and civil society members.
MALAWI: Rethinking Media Freedom When Journalists Are Struggling to Survive
Africa Brief: Media bodies like the Media Council of Malawi expect the best from journalists, while they do this, they should also help in engaging Media owners to discuss journalists’ welfare.
NAMIBIA: Namibia’s Press Freedom Reputation is Real, but the Fine Print Tells a Different Story
The Namibian: Every year on 3 May, Namibia takes its place among the countries the world points to when it wants evidence that press freedom in Africa is possible.
NIGER: Niger suspends nine French media outlets over alleged threats to public order
EuroNews: …A statement broadcast on state television said the suspended media had repeatedly broadcast content “likely to seriously endanger public order, national unity, social cohesion and the stability of institutions” in Niger.
NIGERIA: First-hand perspective on Nigerian broadcasting (Memoir)
Business Day: …Not To Be Broadcast (NTTB) weaves together personal genealogy, a thirty-five-year career in Nigerian public broadcasting – primarily at Voice of Nigeria (VON) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) – institutional politics, national turbulence, and a passionate recovery of African musical heritage, especially Highlife and Afrobeat.
SOMALIA: Guardian reporter and colleagues detained and beaten by Somali police
The Guardian: Mohamed Bulbul arrested in Mogadishu after covering case of woman allegedly being tortured in prison
SOUTH AFRICA: Another one bites the dust: ‘City Press’ ends run after 43 years
SA People: City Press reaches its final chapter after 43 years as Media24 confirms the closure of the iconic South African newsroom.
SOUTH AFRICA: Propaganda machine to public good: a brief history of 50 years of TV in South Africa
The Conversation: How does a medium once branded “the devil’s own box” become the fireplace around which a nation tries to rekindle its broken identity?
SOUTH AFRICA: Regulator Investigates MultiChoice And Altech UEC For Suspected Collusion In Pay-TV Market – According To Reports
Broadcast Media Africa: The Competition Commission has initiated legal proceedings against MultiChoice South Africa and Altech UEC South Africa, accusing both companies of participating in collusion within the pay-TV market. The complaint has been forwarded to the Competition Tribunal for prosecution.
SOUTH AFRICA: South Africans Shift From DStv As Streaming Services Surge
Broadcast Media Africa: The TV landscape in South Africa is undergoing a significant shift, as more viewers are cutting ties with DStv and turning to popular streaming services such as Netflix and YouTube.
TANZANIA: Media stakeholders unveil 15-point reform agenda to defend press freedom in Tanzania
The Citizen: Media stakeholders have tabled an ambitious 15-point reform agenda to the government, calling for sweeping constitutional, legal and economic changes aimed at safeguarding press freedom, strengthening journalists’ rights and securing the future of Tanzania’s media industry.
TANZANIA: Samia provides 20bn/- to empower journalists, and content creators
Tanzania Insight: Tanzania’s government has announced a significant investment of 20 billion shillings to empower journalists and content creators, with 2 billion shillings already allocated for loans to help creative professionals acquire necessary tools and enhance their productivity in the digital marketplace.
ZAMBIA & ZIMBABWE: The cost of staying on air (Report)
BBC Media Action: Community radio stations in Zambia and Zimbabwe are fighting to survive. Here’s how they are managing.
ZIMBABWE: RFAs: Strengthening Civil Society and Media for Democracy in Zimbabwe
Funds for NGOs: The European Commission has launched a €2 million funding call under the NDICI–Global Europe framework to strengthen civil society organisations and independent media in Zimbabwe. The programme supports democracy, freedom of expression, investigative journalism, digital safety, and media sustainability, with grants covering 55%–95% of project costs for eligible organisations.
AFGHANISTAN: Taliban Take Over Afghanistan’s Airwaves, Leaving No Room for Education or Entertainment
Hasht-e Subh Daily: Several families in Afghanistan are criticizing the content broadcast by domestic television channels. According to them, domestic media have dedicated almost their entire airtime to Taliban-related news and programs, leaving no room for educational, entertainment, or recreational content.
AFGHANISTAN: World Press Freedom Day 2026: Afghanistan Enters a New Phase of Crisis as Suppression of Independent Media Intensifies (Press release)
Afghanistan Journalists Center: On the eve of World Press Freedom Day, the Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFC) voices grave concern over the escalating crackdown on media freedom in Afghanistan and the ongoing detention of journalists across the country.
BANGLADESH: Govt won’t make ‘stupid’ move of clashing with media: Adviser Zahed
The Daily Star: BTV may be shut down or repurposed for public welfare amid a widening gap between its budget and revenue, he says
CHINA: RSF urges President Trump to secure Jimmy Lai’s release during visit
Reporters Without Borders: Reporters Without Borders (RSF) urges US President Donald Trump to press for the release of Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai during his planned meeting with President Xi Jinping in China this week.
INDIA: Bharat’s Rise, Media Bias, new Journalism & more, Smita Prakash speaks at Stanford India Conference (Watch)
ANI News: ANI Editor Smita Prakash shares her insights on India’s growing global influence, media bias, and the rapidly changing landscape of journalism at the Stanford India Conference.
INDONESIA & MALAYSIA: Indonesia shares media self-regulation model with Malaysia
Antara: Indonesia and Malaysia shared experiences regarding the role of Press Councils in their respective countries through the Media Solidarity Festival 2026 forum held in Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia, on Sunday.
KAZAKHSTAN: Eurovision 2026 absent from Kazakhstan and Faroese television schedules
Eurovision News: Eurovision 2026 is still weeks away, but viewers in Kazakhstan and the Faroe Islands will not be able to follow it on their public broadcasters.
Wilayah.com: Malaysia must build a stronger, freer and more credible media landscape to effectively deal with the growing challenges brought by climate change and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI), according to Premesh Chandran, deputy chairman of the Malaysian Media Council.
MALDIVES: Sponsored silence, anonymous noise: the state of Maldivian press freedom
Maldives Independent: A parallel whistleblowing ecosystem on X is filling the vacuum
Reuters Institute: As international funding dries up, journalists are driving taxis and selling food just to keep documenting the country’s civil war
NEPAL: Government Actions Threaten Press Freedom in Nepal
Ratopati: When a government that came to power in the name of change starts wielding weapons of repression against the press, it should be understood that serious mistakes have already been made, not just politically, but structurally.
PAKISTAN: Don’t glorify, don’t dehumanise: Pakistan’s Dawn editor on covering militancy
The Daily Star: ‘Public interest comes first,’ Zaffar Abbas says at Daily Star event in Dhaka
PAKISTAN: IFJ report reveals systemic crackdown and existential crisis for media
IFJ: The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) releases its 2025-26 Pakistan Press Freedom Report, documenting a year of steady deterioration for the country’s media environment and increasing risks to independent journalism.
PAKISTAN: Pakistan arrests 13 in anti-state social media crackdown
Gulf News: Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has launched a crackdown on what it described as “anti-state” social media activity, arresting 13 individuals across Punjab over the past two weeks, Dawn reported on Tuesday.
SINGAPORE: Mediacorp named Broadcaster of the Year for second consecutive year at World Media Festivals 2026 (Press release)
Mediacorp: Mediacorp has once again been named Broadcaster of the Year at the World Media Festivals (WMF) Television & Corporate Media Awards 2026, marking its second consecutive win and reaffirming its position as a leading, trusted media network delivering high-quality journalism and compelling content to audiences in Singapore and beyond.
SOUTH KOREA: KBS, National Museum of Korea Forge Landmark Partnership for 2026 PBI SEOUL (Press release)
KBS: KBS and the National Museum of Korea have joined forces to support the successful hosting of 2026 PBI SEOUL in October while expanding the global reach of Korea’s cultural heritage.
SOUTH KOREA: MBC Radio Ranks No. 1 in Listeners for First Half of 2026! Maintaining Top Position for 3 Consecutive Years… Proving Channel Competitiveness! (Press release – Korean)
MBC: MBC Standard FM (95.9 MHz, based on the Seoul metropolitan area) took an overwhelming first place in the second quarter 2026 listenership survey conducted by Korea Research, recording a channel share of 23.8%. MBC Standard FM maintained a solid first place in the first half of 2026 as well.
THAILAND: Thai PBS partners with CIB to empower youth to combat fake news and scammers through the Thai PBS Verify Youth Camp 2026. (Press release)
Thai PBS: The Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS), through Thai PBS Verify, is continuing its collaboration with the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) as a key partner in the “Thai PBS Verify Youth Camp 2026: Nurturing Critics, Combating Misinformation, and Combating Scammers” project .
TAIWAN: PTS deadlock worsens as chair booted from committee session
Taipei Times: A standoff between the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and the Ministry of Culture yesterday escalated after Public Television Service (PTS) chairman Hu Yuan-hui (胡元輝) was asked to leave a legislative committee meeting.
TAIWAN: Rti visits Poland and Ukraine, becomes first Taiwanese media to partner with Lviv Media Forum
Rti: Radio Taiwan International (Rti) Chairperson Cheryl Lai (賴秀如) is leading a delegation to Poland and Ukraine. The group arrived in Warsaw last Thursday, and will take part in the annual Lviv Media Forum (LMF) this Thursday through Saturday in Lviv, Ukraine, making Rti the first Taiwanese media organization to become a forum partner.
AUSTRALIA: ABC welcomes renewed Indo-Pacific broadcasting funding (Press release)
ABC: The ABC welcomes the renewal of Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy funding announced by the Australian Government in tonight’s Federal Budget.
AUSTRALIA: ‘On the inside I felt a rage’: Antoinette Lattouf on emerging from her bruising battle with the ABC
The Guardian: Most people facing a gruelling federal court trial, hostile press and the glare of the public spotlight would hesitate to add more challenges to their load.
AUSTRALIA: SBS BOARD APPOINTS JANE PALFREYMAN AS MANAGING DIRECTOR (Press release)
SBS: The Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Jane Palfreyman as Managing Director of SBS for a five-year term, effective 12 May 2026.
FIJI: Former FBC CEO and CFO to take plea next month
FBC: Former Chief Executive of the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and current Chief Financial Officer, Vimlesh Sagar, are expected to take their plea next month.
NEW ZEALAND: Coalition parties ramp up criticism of media (Analysis)
RNZ: The relationship between politicians and the media is symbiotic, but it’s increasingly coming under pressure as political parties turn to other platforms, and evade traditional newsrooms, to speak direct to voters.
NEW ZEALAND: Hold my beer… Seymour takes a wild swing at public media (Opinion)
Newsroom: Not to be outdone by Paul Goldsmith’s announcement this week that the Government intends to abolish the Broadcasting Standards Authority, Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour has now claimed in an interview on The Platform that the forthcoming board appointments to RNZ will provide the opportunity to alter its management.
NEW ZEALAND: Opposition MPs say former TVNZ political editor Maiki Sherman ‘hounded’ into resigning
RNZ: Opposition MPs say former TVNZ political editor Maiki Sherman was “hounded” into resigning, after a “witch hunt” all while public broadcasters are under “immense pressure” from the coalition.
NEW ZEALAND: PMN formalises partnership with Niue broadcaster for 2026 election coverage (Press release)
PMN: The Pacific Media Network (PMN) has formalised a new editorial partnership with Broadcasting Corporation Niue (BCN) to deliver coverage of the 2026 Niue General Election and key community events.
NEW ZEALAND: Scrapping Broadcasting Standards Authority will hit standards, experts say
RNZ: A former Broadcasting Standards Authority member says abolishing the regulator gets rid of one of the few ways people can challenge harmful media content.
REGIONAL: Pacific journalists urged to protect identity while embracing innovation
FBC: Pacific journalists have been urged to embrace innovation without losing their cultural identity and indigenous knowledge systems.
Balkan Web: After the statements and accusations made by the leader of the Democratic Party (DP) Sali Berisha against “NeWs24″”BalkanWeb” and “Panorama”, “Safe Journalists Albania” reacted.
ALBANIA: Fresh concerns over journalist’s safety following suspected arson attack
International Press Institute: IPI calls for motive of targeted destruction of journalists car to be swiftly established
ALBANIA: New judicial precedent against media freedom in Albania!
Vox: In an unusual decision for Albanian judicial practice, the Court of First Instance in Tirana ordered the deletion of articles published by at least 10 online media outlets, without the presence of the parties in the session and before the case was examined on its merits.
AUSTRIA: More than a TV show: Why ORF believes the Eurovision Song Contest has public service at its core
Eurovision.com: For Austrian broadcaster, ORF, hosting the Eurovision Song Contest is about far more than putting on one of the world’s biggest entertainment shows.
BELGIUM: Podcasts have matured, thanks in part to VRT (Dutch)
VRT: Ten years ago, Flanders barely knew what a podcast was. Today, it is a fully-fledged medium, and VRT played a bigger role in that evolution than you might think. On May 5th, it will be exactly a decade since the first VRT podcasts were launched.
BELGIUM: VivaCité and RTBF La Une are changing their programs following the May 12th strike (French)
RTBF: Due to the strike action affecting RTBF this Tuesday, May 12, 2026, VivaCité and RTBF La Une are changing their programming.
BELGIUM: VRT celebrates opening of BRUSK (Dutch)
VRT: After a long countdown, the doors of BRUSK, the brand-new art hall in the heart of Bruges, will open on Friday, May 8.
BELGIUM: With RTBF moving to Media Square, what will become of the Reyers Tower, an iconic Brussels landmark? (French)
RTBF: As RTBF moves into a brand new building, Media Square, this Tuesday, May 12, what will become of the Reyers tower, one of the emblematic monuments of the public service media but also of Brussels, or even of the country?
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA: Deadlock in Digital Platform Regulation (30 April)
SEENPM: Exploring the systemic legislative risks to human rights and the rule of law stemming from digital platforms and digital media regulation in Bosnia and Herzegovina [BiH], the Risk Assessment study pinpoints institutional weakness, media systems fragilities, and policymaking fragmentation, highlighting where immediate attention is needed.
BULGARIA: Council for Electronic Media Monitors Election Coverage Across Broadcasters
BTA: The Council for Electronic Media (CEM) conducted a specialized monitoring review of election coverage across 13 linear services operated by public broadcasters Bulgarian National Television (BNT) and Bulgarian National Radio (BNR), 15 linear services of commercial media providers, 14 non-linear services and one video-sharing platform.
CZECH REPUBLIC: Babiš tests the Czech route to media capture
TVP World: As Péter Magyar in Hungary prepares to dismantle Viktor Orbán’s captured public-media system, anyone hoping Central Europe was moving away from illiberal state capture should look to Prague, where Andrej Babiš is trying to move Czech broadcasting onto the path that turned Hungarian media into a government instrument.
CZECH REPUBLIC: Czechs Take to the Streets Against Bill That Would Make Public Broadcasters State-Dependent
Insight News: Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Prague on May 5 to oppose a government bill that would strip Czech public broadcasters of their financial independence, in the largest protest over media freedom in the country since March.
CZECH REPUBLIC: EBU writes to Czech Prime Minister over public media reform plans
EBU: The EBU has written to the Czech Prime Minister to express concern about draft legislation that could undermine the independence, stability and European compliance of public service media in Czechia.
CZECH REPUBLIC: Is the Finnish public service media model suitable for the Czech Republic? YLE director to speak about it at Digimedia (Press release – Czech)
Czech TV: This year’s 21st annual DIGIMEDIA 2026 professional conference, which will be hosted by Czech Television on June 3, 2026, will kick off with a major discussion about the appropriate model for financing public service media in the Czech Republic.
FRANCE: French MP wants to turn public broadcasting into state media
Reporters Without Borders: The recommendations by the rapporteur of the parliamentary inquiry into French public broadcasting reflect a clear intention to attack public news services in France.
FRANCE: Political row as report calls for sweeping cuts to French public broadcasting
The Guardian: Inquiry set up by rightwing politician recommends merging major channels and slashing TV entertainment budgets by 75%
Entrevue: In the midst of publishing his parliamentary report on public broadcasting, Charles Alloncle reacted strongly on Friday, on X, to the information circulating in recent days concerning a complaint targeting his work as rapporteur.
IPN: On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the co-chairs of the Media Freedom Coalition, the United Kingdom and Finland, have issued a joint statement.
GERMANY: ARD and ZDF at the re:publica 2026 (Press release – German)
ZDF: Public law mandate in the digital transformation: Directors Hager and Himmler in the panel
GERMANY: Is this what the future of ARD, ZDF and Deutschlandradio looks like? (German)
Horizont: Salary caps, contribution freezes, greater austerity: A commission in Saxony-Anhalt has ambitious plans for the future of ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio. What do these plans entail?
GREECE: International news options shrink on Greek TV as ERT reshuffles lineup
Ekathimerini.com: Greece’s state-owned broadcaster, ERT, has removed BBC News from its national terrestrial airwaves, replacing the long-standing English-language service with its own international channel, ERT Cosmos.
HUNGARY: ‘Factory of lies’: what will Péter Magyar do about Hungary’s state media?
The Guardian: Journalists brace for sweeping reforms after years of pro-government control under Viktor Orbán
Daily News Hungary: Allegations of political interference, editorial manipulation and the use of foreign propaganda narratives have emerged from former and current employees of Hungary’s public media system, according to testimonies shared in an interview with the independent online channel Partizán.
HUNGARY: Tisza’s victory offers historic opportunity for media freedom reform in Hungary (Op-ed)
IPI: While Tisza’s landslide election victory offers opportunity to rejuvenate press freedom, unwinding Fidesz’s media capture model will be complex, but essential for achieving wider democratic reform
IRELAND, SLOVENIA & SPAIN: Ireland, Slovenia, and Spain will not show Eurovision this week
RTÉ: RTÉ and other public service broadcasters in Slovenia and Spain will not show the Eurovision Song Contest this week as they boycott the event over Israel’s participation.
Eurovision News: Latvia’s public broadcaster Latvijas Sabiedriskais medijs has announced a wide-ranging line-up of coverage for the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, combining live broadcasts, special programmes and digital content.
LATVIA: LSM will invest 25,000 euros in research into the media consumption habits and needs of residents of Latvia’s eastern border region (Latvian)
liepajniekiem.lv: Latvian Public Media (LSM) will hire research company SIA “TNS Latvia” to study the media consumption habits and needs of residents of Latvia’s eastern border region for 25,000 euros, according to information released by the Procurement Monitoring Bureau.
THE NETHERLANDS: NPO confirms end for 5 channels (Paywall)
Telecompaper: The public broadcaster in the Netherlands has confirmed the end for five channels, in order to reduce its costs.
POLAND: Polish state media launch new fact-checking platform to tackle disinformation
TVP World: Poland’s state-owned media outlets have joined forces to tackle disinformation with the launch of a new fact-checking initiative.
POLAND & GEORGIA: Poland’s public broadcaster launches Georgian-language news service (28 April)
OC Media: The Georgian-language news service of Poland’s Public Broadcaster (TVP) has begun its operations. In its first news broadcast, which aired on Monday, the service said it would cover ‘what matters’, speak about European values, and expose Russian disinformation.
ESC Plus: The workers of the Portuguese public broadcaster RTP are calling, in an open letter, for the channel not to participate in or broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 due to the worsening situation in the Middle East, including the extreme violence against the civilian population.
RUSSIA: Russian Union of Journalists expelled from the International Federation of Journalists
The Barents Observer: The Russian Union of Journalists (RUJ) has been formally expelled from the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). The decision became known on 8 May, when the Russian organisation’s press service announced it. At the same time, the RUJ published a statement saying that “this story is no cause for regret”.
SERBIA: How Serbia’s government controls much of the media
DW: “Backsliding,” “pressure,” “political influence over editorial policy” – this is how numerous international reports describe the state of the media in Serbia.
SERBIA: MFRR calls for the suspension of EU funds amid press freedom backsliding
International Federation of Journalists: The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) supports the letter from the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partners to European ministers, calling for EU funds to Serbia to be suspended in response to increased violence against journalists and the central role played by the authorities.
SPAIN: RTVE Comments on EBU’s Hopes for Eurovision Return
Eurovoix News: The Spanish broadcaster RTVE has responded to comments from the European Broadcasting Union about its hope for Spain to return to the Eurovision Song Contest.
SWEDEN: Zattoo upgrades SRG channels to Full HD
Broadband TV News: TV streaming provider Zattoo is expanding its streaming offer in Switzerland, making all channels from public broadcaster SRG SSR available in Full HD resolution for subscribers on its Ultimate tier.
UK: BBC sets June date for Radio 4 long wave closedown
Radio Today: BBC Radio 4 long wave will close on 27 June after years of uncertainty over the future of its 198 kHz service.
UK & GAZA: Gaza documentary dropped by BBC wins BAFTA as filmmakers blast ‘censorship’
The New Arab: After being dropped by the BBC, the broadcasting rights for the documentary were picked up by Channel 4 and Zeteo.
UKRAINE: Stop Russia’s persecution of journalists in occupied territories
Article 19: Freedom of expression is a fundamental value of a democratic society. However, in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, it is being systematically undermined through pressure on journalists.
Suspline Ukraine: Summarizing the past year’s cooperation, key completed projects, and future development plans for the broadcaster — Suspilne Ukraine thanked its international partners for their consistent support during a friendly meeting held on May 7 at the Recording House of Ukrainske Radio.
UKRAINE & SWEDEN: A New Phase of Cooperation: Suspilne Ukraine and Swedish Radio Have Identified Key Priorities (29 April)
Suspline Ukraine: The teams from Suspilne Ukraine and the Swedish Radio Media Development Office (SR MDO) have summarized the results of the previous phase of their collaboration and outlined plans for the next one.
REGIONAL: Foreign agent laws are becoming the scourge of media freedom across Europe (Opinion)
OC Media: Brussels needs to deliver a stronger, more decisive response to the spread of foreign agent laws across Europe, including in Georgia.
REGIONAL: The EU measures media freedom country by country, but cross‑border risks remain overlooked
The Conversation: Europe has spent years building effective tools to measure media pluralism within its member states. This made sense because newspapers, broadcasters, regulators, ownership structures and public service media were organised within national borders.
ARGENTINA: Sad nights of Argentine journalism (Spanish)
Perfil: An overly close relationship between a journalist and a source turns the journalist into a propaganda transmitter rather than an interviewer.
THE BAHAMAS: Two ZNS board members quit over political interference claims (15 April)
The Tribune: TWO Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas board members have resigned amid claims of political interference after the board’s directive to keep general manager Clint Watson off the job until after the general election was overridden.
BRAZIL: EBC presents TV 3.0 test station to foreign ambassadors. (Press release – Portuguese)
EBC: On Monday, May 11th, Empresa Brasil de Comunicação (EBC) hosted foreign ambassadors from countries in Africa, Latin America, and Europe at its TV 3.0 testing station. The aim of the event was to present the system that will be used by Brazil, so that other countries can evaluate its implementation.
BRAZIL: Inauguration of UFR TV expands access to public communication in Rondonópolis (MT) (Press release – Portuguese)
EBC: Since Thursday (7), the population of Rondonópolis (MT) has had access to a new public digital television station: UFR TV, linked to the Federal University of Rondonópolis (UFR).
CHILE: Binge-watch TVN Vertical: Check out TVN’s vertical series here (Press release – Spanish)
TVN: TVN’s vertical series mark a milestone in the evolution of digital audiovisual content, establishing themselves as an innovative format that is here to stay.
CHILE: TVN will give a public account in a special Senate session. (Press release)
Senado: The company’s executives will detail operational expenses and the status of historical debt, as well as the challenges of producing television in a globalized environment.
COLOMBIA: Gustavo Petro has until this Thursday, May 14, to retract his statement calling female journalists “mafia dolls”: this is what he has to say (Spanish)
Infobae: The head of state has until Thursday, May 14, 2026, to deliver the presidential address in which he must retract his statement, following the final decision made by the high court on Tuesday, May 5.
COLOMBIA: RTVC will present its 2025 Accountability Report (Press release – Spanish)
RTVC: The Public Media System will present its 2025 Public Accountability Hearing, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and its mission to generate content for the benefit of all Colombians.
GUATEMALA: Jose Ruben Zamora denounces a new attempt to imprison him for his publications (Spanish)
Prensa Comunitaria: Journalist and founder of elPeriódico, José Rubén Zamora, denounced a new attempt at criminal prosecution and imprisonment against him.
JAMAICA: Incredible shrinking of the news media (Opinion)
The Gleaner: Each year on May 3, World Press Freedom Day and UNESCO invite reflection on the role of journalism in sustaining open, informed societies. In the Caribbean, this reflection carries urgency because the traditional media landscape is shrinking. Newspapers close or merge. Radio stations reduce newsrooms. Television outlets struggle to convert audience attention into revenue.
JAMAICA: RJRGLEANER responding to cybersecurity incident, international experts engaged
The Gleaner: The RJRGLEANER Communications Group says it is working with international cybersecurity experts after identifying an incident on some of its information technology systems on May 1.
MEXICO: Infodemic under court order: publications against journalist prohibited during amparo trial (Spanish)
Infobae: The Eighth District Court for Administrative Matters of Mexico City granted a definitive suspension to the cybersecurity journalist Ignacio Gómez Villaseñor (@ivillasenor) against the Mexican State Public Broadcasting System (SPR) and its Infodemia MX platform.
NICARAGUA: Nicaraguan dictatorship orders the closure of two radio stations in Carazo (Spanish)
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PARAGUAY: The IAPA expresses concern over ABC Color complaint about harassment and systematic attacks (Statement – Spanish)
IAPA: The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) expresses concern over a complaint filed by Paraguay’s ABC Color newspaper regarding an alleged systematic persecution against it using the state apparatus, and the prosecutorial and judicial systems.
REGIONAL: Caribbean media workers face threats and burnout
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian: The closure of several Caribbean media houses has highlighted the urgent need to strengthen sustainable business models as journalism across the region faces mounting pressure on multiple fronts.
REGIONAL: Freedom of Expression Under Attack: Journalists and Diverse Communities Face Setbacks and Systemic Violence in Latin America (Spanish)
Somoselmedio: The panel “Rights in Plural, Freedom of Expression from Diversities” of the regional forum for press freedom in Latin America and the Caribbean, moderated by Elia Almanza, revealed a serious panorama of the risks, violence and structural obstacles faced by journalists and civil society organizations when covering gender and diversity issues.
GAZA & EUROPE: Members of the European Parliament urge EU to push for foreign journalist Gaza access
European Federation of Journalists: The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) welcomes the letter sent today by 61 Members of the European Parliament calling on the European Union leadership to make stronger calls for foreign journalist access to Gaza.
International Federation of Journalists: At its meeting in Paris from 4 to 7 May, the Congress of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) unanimously adopted an urgent motion submitted by the Union of Journalists in Lebanon. The motion called for Israel to be held accountable for war crimes against journalists and media workers in Lebanon.
ISRAEL: How Israel Turned Eurovision’s Stage Into a Soft Power Tool
The New York Times: Israel’s efforts to influence Eurovision’s vote were broader and started years earlier than previously known.
ISRAEL: Israel handed Eurovision warning over voting plea controversy
The Independent: Israel’s national broadcaster, Kan, received a formal warning from Eurovision organisers for encouraging viewers to ‘vote 10 times’ for their delegate.
ISRAEL: Why Eurovision’s fallout over Israel may change the competition forever
BBC: Moments after Austria overtook Israel to win last May’s Eurovision Song Contest and in doing so won the right to host this year’s event, UK viewers heard commentator Graham Norton say organisers “will be breathing the largest sigh of relief that they’re not faced with a Tel Aviv final next year”.
JORDAN: Sama Jordan TV channel joins Es’hailSat’s video hotspot on Es’hail-2 Satellite
Satellite Evolution: Es’hailSat has expanded its channel offerings by incorporating Sama Jordan TV channel into its video distribution lineup at the 26° East orbital position, facilitated by the Es’hail-2 satellite.:
KUWAIT: Kuwait Radio marks 75 years of broadcasting
Kuwait Times: Kuwait Radio has established itself over 75 years as a pioneering media institution in the Gulf and Arab region through continuous innovation, earning numerous awards for programs that remain deeply rooted in listeners’ memories.
LEBANON: The Blood and Ink of Lebanon’s Press
Now Lebanon: …More than a century later, Lebanon remains trapped in a wicked circle of verbal and physical violence against members of the press, intellectuals, activists, and all those who dare to speak in search of a decent and prosperous country.
QATAR: Qatar Media Corporation begins broadcast of new channel QBC
The Peninsula Qatar: Qatar Media Corporation began the broadcast of a new business channel QBC – first of its kind in Qatar
QATAR: Vodafone Qatar signs agreement with Al Jazeera Media Institute
Gulf Times: Vodafone Qatar announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Al Jazeera Media Institute to deliver specialised training programmes covering media and administrative courses and diplomas, in line with the latest professional standards and practices.
SAUDI ARABIA: Saudi Arabia wins first-ever seat on IFJ executive committee
Arab News: Saudi Arabia has won a first-ever seat on the executive committee of the International Federation of Journalists, the world’s largest journalists’ organization, after Adhwan Al-Ahmari, chairman of the Saudi Journalists Association, was elected at the federation’s International Press Congress in Paris.
SYRIA: Syria Rises in Press Freedom Index, but Journalists Still Face Deep Constraints
The Media Line: Rizik Alabi reports from Damascus on a press freedom paradox: Syria jumped 36 places in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, but the number tells only part of the story.
TURKEY: A NATO ally’s information war: Unmasking Turkey’s global media strategy
Foundation for Defense of Democracies: A recent investigation into the social media account “Clash Report” illustrates the need for greater alertness among policymakers in Washington and across Europe.
YEMEN: Houthis Shut Down Newly Launched Radio Station in Ibb (25 April)
Yemen Online: Houthi militias have closed Samaa Ibb radio shortly after it began broadcasting in Yemen’s central Ibb province, in a move that has raised questions about the motives behind the decision.
CANADA: CBC to Increase Investment in Documentary Storytelling and Launch New FAST Channel this Fall (Press release)
CBC: CBC, the largest commissioner of documentaries in Canada, today announced it will increase its investment in documentary storytelling by $7 million and launch a free ad-supported streaming (FAST) channel this fall, dedicated to documentary programming.
CANADA: Public subsidies essential to boosting media ecosystem, new study finds
Canadian Dimension: International research contradicts critics of subsidies who swarmed MPs last week
US: ABC lawyers accuse Trump’s FCC of punishing network for political reasons
The Guardian: Lawyers representing an ABC station have accused the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of punishing the network for political purposes in a strongly worded attack on the Trump-controlled commission’s investigation into the top-rated talkshow The View.
US: GBH and NEPM announce anticipated merger to strengthen access to trusted news, information, and quality entertainment across Massachusetts (Press release)
NEPM: GBH and New England Public Media (NEPM) today announced plans to merge operations, building one of the largest and most trusted statewide media organizations in Massachusetts, reaching more than 1.3 million people a week across the state.
US: NAB Launches Podcast on Local Broadcast Policy
Radio World: The National Association of Broadcasters has launched a podcast intended to deliver timely broadcast industry news for radio and TV stations.
US: New analysis projects softer fundraising growth for stations in FY27
Current: A Contributor Development Partnership analysis indicates that revenue retention will remain strong but will decline from 2025 highs.
US: Oklahoma governor vetoes OETA extension, putting public TV at risk
Oklahoman: Oklahoma’s statewide public broadcasting network — responsible for bringing “Sesame Street,” “Antiques Roadshow” and Ken Burns’ documentaries to Sooner State viewers — is again at risk of getting shut down by Gov. Kevin Stitt.
US: PBS CEO Paula Kerger at Annual Meeting: ‘The system we are building together will be stronger’
Current: In a keynote address delivered Wednesday at the 2026 PBS Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas, PBS CEO Paula Kerger acknowledged public media’s challenges following the rescission of federal funding while highlighting the system’s recent successes.
The Guardian: There is a revolution reshaping how people want and get their information. News brands can and must react, but the time is now.
As deadline passes, MFRR renews call for urgent transposition of EU Anti SLAPP Directive
MFRR: Today, 7 May 2026, marks the deadline for EU Member States to transpose the EU Anti-SLAPP Directive, also known as Daphne’s law. As we mark this landmark, however, the European Anti-SLAPP Monitor shows a fragmented and uneven picture for transposition across Europe, as the deadline is being missed by nearly all Member States.
European Broadcasting Union and Alianza Informativa Latinoamericana form landmark news content sharing agreement (Press release)
EBU: The EBU and the Alianza Informativa Latinoamericana (AIL), have formed a landmark content-sharing agreement that opens a new chapter in global news collaboration between Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.
From Broadcasting To Listening: How News Media Can (Re)Build Trust (Speech)
CBC/Radio-Canada: On May 1, 2026, Marie-Philippe Bouchard, President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada, delivered the opening address at the Organization of News Ombuds and Standards Editors Annual Conference in Toronto.
Global Indigenous journalism finalists announced for 2026 WIBN Journalism Excellence Award (Press release)
APTN/WIBN: The World Indigenous Broadcasters Network (WIBN) has announced the six finalists for the 2026 WIBN Journalism Excellence Award, recognising outstanding Indigenous journalism from across its global network.
Press Freedom Declines Globally, Experts Warn at 2026 World Press Freedom Day Conference in Zambia
UNESCO: At World Press Freedom Day in Lusaka, UNESCO warned global press freedom has declined by 10% amid rising conflict, AI-driven misinformation and economic pressure.
The next media empire will be unrecognisable, says FMT managing director
Free Malaysia Today: The next great media empire may no longer resemble a traditional newsroom, according to Free Malaysia Today managing director Azeem Abu Bakar, with artificial intelligence rapidly reshaping how information is produced, distributed and consumed.
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Header image: Yerevan, Armenia – October 12, 2023: View on tv Tower from Victory park. Credit: Gevorg Simonyan / Shutterstock.com
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