In a Report adopted today in Strasbourg entitled “Freedom of Press and Media in the World”, the European Parliament took another opportunity to underline the correlation between independent Public Service Media (PSM) and empowered citizenship.

The own-Initiative report drawn up by Dutch Liberal MEP Marietje Schaake makes a key political statement on the positive role of independent PSM for media freedom at a global level.

The European Parliament “Is aware that all too often media are used as and/or are involved in traditional propaganda tools and that, specifically regarding public service media, financial and political independence, as well as pluralism, are essential; emphasises that free and independent public media play a crucial role in deepening democracy, maximising the involvement of civil society in public debates and affairs, and in empowering citizens on the path to democracy”.

The report also states that “net neutrality is an essential principle for the open internet” while pointing out that online media platforms have had a ‘major role’ in the uprisings against dictatorial regimes in recent years.

“Following the numerous messages of support by European parliamentarians yesterday for public service media amidst the closure of ERT, I can only further welcome today’s statement by the European Parliament on the worldwide impact of independent PSM on media freedom”, said EBU Head of Public Affairs Nicola Frank. “Whether in Europe or worldwide, political support for independent PSM as a pillar of democracy is of great importance, especially in these times of economic crisis.”