Joining the dots on the media in Europe

After Murdoch

A potentially awesome shift in the UK’s power structure is taking place if the role and influence of Murdoch’s newspapers is really undermined. This is because the mess that Jeremy Hunt wishes to see sorted out is the very fusion of politicians, journalists and media owners that govern us - the po

By Anthony Barnett

/ 17 Jul 2011

The Murdochs are not fit and proper people

It's a "truly dreadful situation" declares the UK's Prime Minister on learning of the latest revelation of the outrageous lawlessness of the Murdoch empire. The response should go further than criticism of journalists and editors, it is the proprietors, Murdoch senior and son, who should be held t

By Anthony Barnett

/ 5 Jul 2011

News of the Financial Sector: reporting on the City or to it?

Why did the news media give so little warning of the 2007-8 financial crash? Because financial journalism has been ‘captured’ by those it is meant to hold to account

By Aeron Davis

/ 31 May 2011

Hungary: a draconian media law

New restrictions on Hungarian media threaten to undermine freedom of expression, the lifeblood of democracy. Fears abound that the legislative clampdown marks an acceleration in Orbán’s slide towards authoritarianism.

By Ciana-Marie Pegus

/ 18 Apr 2011

Azerbaijan: rights situation no cause for celebration

It has been ten years since Azerbaijan became a member of the Council of Europe, but no one is in the mood for a party. The country’s media remains shackled, dubious laws continue to be used punitively, and political opponents are still sent to prison. The Council needs to take its membership crit

By Giorgi Gogia

/ 27 Jan 2011

Hungary's new media law shows contempt for democracy, the separation of powers and core European ideals

The Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, is no believer in democracy. “The republic,” he said in 2006, “is merely a cloak for the nation.” See what this implies for media law. How should Europe react?

By Constanze Stelzenmüller

/ 8 Jan 2011