Safeguarding media freedom and pluralism in the internal market (Media Freedom Act)

Summary:

The impact assessment (IA) defines in sufficient detail the problem, its drivers and the need to protect media pluralism and independence in the EU. While it duly explains that the problems identified affect the 'entire information ecosystem', their geographical scale is not very clear. The IA examines three options, with different packages of measures with a gradually increasing level of approximation of certain aspects of national frameworks relating to media pluralism and independence. Costs and benefits of each option have been thoroughly identified and analysed, including who would be affected and how. The IA contains a section on the SME test, explaining the impact of the different policy options on SMEs and suggesting that SMEs would be among those benefitting the most.

Moreover, the IA refers to the impacts on citizens, who are expected to benefit from more diverse and independent reporting, reduced risk of disinformation, and higher level of trust in the media. Based on the comparison of options and their impacts in terms of effectiveness, efficiency, coherence and proportionality, the choice of the preferred option appears logical. However, the explanation of why option 2 is preferred to option 3 (and sub-option A to sub option B) could have been more in-depth. The IA appears to be based on extensive data, public consultation activities, position papers, reports, and two external studies. However, it could have better referenced the data and provided accessible links to all public sources. Overwhelming and unified support of all stakeholders for any package of measures appears to be lacking, and the IA would have benefitted from a more transparent and consolidated presentation of stakeholder views and data gathered during consultations. Coherence with other EU legislation appears to be duly identified and taken into account.

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