The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has urged EU member states to ensure the newly enacted European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) delivers on its promise to safeguard independent and pluralistic media.
The EMFA, which came into force on 8 August 2025, introduces a range of protections for public service media, including measures to shield them from political interference, secure stable funding, and guarantee the visibility of media brands on platforms such as smart TVs. It also grants broadcasters and publishers access to audience data, protects journalistic sources, and establishes a new media board to advise on implementation.
Richard Burnley, the EBU’s Director of Legal and Policy, described the legislation as “the singular most important piece of EU media legislation in the last decades”, stressing that its success depends on effective national enforcement. “Media freedom is a cornerstone of democracy, and we now rely on EU member states to do their part in meaningful implementation,” he said. “It is essential for the EU’s resilience and sovereignty that the media sector can resist political influence.”
One key provision, article 5, mandates political safeguards for public service media governance and ensures stable, adequate and predictable funding. Another, article 18, imposes transparency requirements on major online platforms before they can restrict or remove regulated media content. The EBU emphasised that these obligations will require detailed guidance from the European Commission and, if necessary, tougher enforcement against non-compliant platforms.
The EBU’s legal and policy team said it would continue working with members and national authorities to ensure consistent application of the law, supported by its advocacy tools such as the PSM Compass. “The EU and member states must make it count,” Burnley concluded.
