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 2025, the Audiovisual Media Services Directive topped this year's most read articles. See also the top 10 legal & policy downloads in 2025. 

Ranking

10. In a world of noise, we need VOICES: The European Festival of Journalism and Media Literacy

The Voices festival brings together citizens, journalists, and media professionals to celebrate the vital role that journalism and media literacy play in fostering an informed public and sustaining healthy democracies. The second edition of the festival took place in Zagreb in March 2025. The next edition will take place in Florence, 10-12 March 2026.

9. EBU stresses that new EMFA obligations are non-negotiable

In our feedback on the European Media Freedom Act’s Article 18, we urge strong safeguards against unfair content moderation by large online platforms. Our priorities include a simple self-declaration process, unified account recognition, and expert media contacts. Since then, we have seen limited uptake in these obligations, leading us to start our "Trusted Media = Protected Posts" Campaign.

8. No facts? No freedom. Democracy depends on access to reliable information

In this op-ed, our Director General, Noel Curran, and Reporters without Borders Director General, Thibaut Bruttin, join together to call on the EU to safeguard citizens' access local news and cultural content, require platforms to give prominence to trusted sources, and regulate AI systems in the run up to the publication of the EU's Democracy Shield.

7. Media industry unites to advocate for robust implementation of audience measurement obligations under the European Media Freedom Act

Alongside ACT and egta, we urge the European Commission to establish clear guidelines for audience measurement under the European Media Freedom Act. Our Joint Media Industry Position emphasizes transparency, inclusiveness, and data sharing among measurement providers and media services, aiming to foster trust and innovation in the media ecosystem.

6. EBU calls for safeguards to access public service media content in the Digital Networks Act

We advocate for universal access to high-quality, trusted public service media across all platforms and devices. We urge the EU to ensure the Digital Networks Act (DNA) protects broadcast services, guarantees easy access to radio in connected vehicles, maintains the must-carry and net neutrality principles, rejects extra fees for content delivery, and preserves national control over broadcasting spectrum allocation.

5. When everything else fails, radio doesn’t: a case for EU action

Sibyle Veil, CEO of Radio France, reflects on the vital role of radio, one of the most reliable tools in times of crisis, often functioning when all else fails. This blog follows her powerful intervention at our Channels of Resilience event at the European Parliament.

4. The European Democracy Shield must include media to protect democracy

In its contribution to the European Commission consultation on the European Democracy Shield, we stress the crucial role of independent media as both a fundamental pillar of democracy and a driver of democratic values. In our contribution, we emphasize that the European Democracy Shield must safeguard a free, independent, and pluralistic media landscape, alongside a fair and safe online environment.

3. Making EMFA meaningful: EBU aims for real-world safeguards for public service media

We welcome EMFA's entry into effect. The Act strengthens media independence and pluralism, safeguarding public service media from political interference, ensures visibility of media brands, grants access to audience data, and protects journalistic sources.

2. Debunking the 'crowding out' myth

This article discusses an independent, peer-reviewed economic study, carried out by Oliver & Ohlbaum Associates, demonstrates that public service media online news has no negative impact on commercial online news providers. The article is accompanied by a blog post penned by Richard Burnley, the EBU's Director of Legal & Policy.

1. Upcoming evaluation of the AVMSD: Council addresses key issues for public service media

EU Culture Ministers endorsed the need for a thorough evaluation of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD), emphasizing its importance in supporting the prominence of general interest media and tackling disinformation. We support the Council's conclusions and advocates for a audiovisual legal framework which encourages sustainable, diverse and accessible media landscape.