Keeping Members up to date with important news related to public service media is an important part of the EBU’s Legal & Policy work. In 2024, governmental threats to Members' independence and funding topped this year's most read articles. The topic of AI exploded in popularity, but certain themes carried over from 2023 with continued interest in EMFA and sustainability. See also the top 10 legal & policy downloads in 2024.

Read the full list of our top articles over the last year. 

Ranking

10. EBU calls on MEP candidates to ‘Do the next right thing for media and democracy!’

In March, the EBU launched its priorities for the new EU mandate to protect public service media and media freedom.

9. EU Broadcasters Call to Adopt WIPO Broadcasting Treaty to Fight Piracy

European broadcasters ask the Member States of the WIPO SCCR to convene a Diplomatic Conference for the adoption of the WIPO Broadcasting Organizations Treaty.

8. EBU calls for rethink of online news limits for German public media in draft reforms

The EBU welcomes efforts to ensure Germany’s public broadcasters reach all of society but is concerned about elements of draft reforms seeking to further limit the ability of public service media to offer online text-based news.

7. EBU welcomes AI Act as a milestone for the EU

The AI Act intends to bring wide ranging legal clarity to the use of AI in the EU, setting out critical principles for media creation and use and requiring more transparency. 

6. With the EMFA, the EU has a new toolbox to prevent governments from taking over the media

On 26 March, the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) received its final green light by national Ministers. The EMFA is a significant step towards safeguarding and promoting media pluralism and editorial independence in the EU.

5. This World Press Freedom Day, the EMFA could be a game changer

On World Press Freedom Day, and in the shadow of the Slovak Television and Radio Act, the EBU's Legal and Policy Director, Richard Burnley explained why the EMFA could be a game changer to protect media freedom and pluralism in Europe.

4. EBU announces its strategic asks on generative AI and media

The EBU prioritized AI in 2024, releasing a strategic paper on generative AI and public service media, emphasizing the need for cooperation among regulators, AI developers, and media.

3. New edition of the Sustainability Rulebook: the Green Claims Directive

On 9 April, the EBU published the third instalment of the Sustainability Rulebook. The latest instalment introduces The Green Claims Directive, which aims to prevent companies from misleading consumers with false environmental claims. 

2. EBU urges Israel to keep public broadcaster budget out of government control

 The EBU calls for an end to efforts in Israel to bring the budget of the public broadcaster KAN under direct government control. 

1. Slovak government proposals threaten media independence

The EBU is highly concerned by Slovak government proposals which threaten the editorial independence of Radio and Television Slovakia (RTVS). Under the draft law, the government could remove all members of RTVS’ governing Council.