Doc. 7953
3 November 1997

Media variety

Motion for an order

presented by Mr Lekberg and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

1. The media landscape in Europe is highly complex. Alongside the sensationalist media which jeopardise the development of a constructive public dialogue, quality newspapers, magazines and public service radio and television companies continue to objectively cover a wide range of news, including parliamentary affairs.

2. By meeting the basic aims of the media: informing, commenting, providing a means of communication between different social groups, giving public opinion the means to develop critical judgment, quality media ensure that high standards are maintained. However, their emphasis on quality can be undermined by market forces which challenge media diversity, so indispensable for the functioning of democracy.

3. We can today see clear signs of commercialisation and concentration in the media picture. Media moguls as well as market forces are threatening media variety. This is a development which can endanger freedom of expression and other fundamental values. The Council of Europe, as a defender of freedom and democracy, has a responsibility to uphold variety in the media and is an obvious forum for discussion of measures to safeguard the existence of quality media. Parliaments in member states must also take initiatives in this field.

4. We notice with satisfaction that the Committee of Ministers attaches great importance to the question of media variety as evidenced by the work of the Steering Committee on Media as well as other committees. But this is not enough. It is now time for the Assembly to be involved in this important work.

5. The Assembly therefore:

i. declares that media diversity is essential for the functioning of democracy;

ii.urges parliaments of member states to take measures to develop and uphold variety in media and to safeguard the role of quality media;

iii. instructs its Committee on Parliamentary and Public Relations to make a report on media and variety in the member states.

Signed : ¹

Lekberg, Sweden, SOC

Gjellerod, Denmark, SOC

Magnusson, Sweden, SOC

O. Johansson, Sweden, LDR

Jansson, Finland, LDR

Bergqvist, Sweden, SOC

Andnor, Sweden, SOC

Calner, Sweden, SOC

Wärnersson, Sweden, SOC

I-B. Johansson, Sweden, SOC

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group