Journalism has to be firmly supported by states, professional associations, internet intermediaries and platforms, regulatory authorities and journalists alike to ensure trust between public and media, concluded an international conference organised by the Council of Europe in Ljubljana in partnership with the Slovenian Ministry of Culture.
The two-day event, entitled “(Last) call for quality journalism” gathered more than 150 media experts from 40 countries including regulators, lawyers, policy makers and journalists. They took part in panels that covered a range of topical issues, including the importance of media literacy and quality journalism for maintaining and improving public trust, as well as the challenges and opportunities presented by the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The participants underlined that in an age of digital transformation and financial insecurity experienced by media outlets, safeguarding quality journalism is crucial for enabling citizens to make informed choices, holding authority to account and sustaining democracy.
To that end, the Council of Europe together with other relevant stakeholders will continue to support an environment favourable to quality journalism, in line with the European Convention on Human Rights and the Committee of Ministers Declaration on the financial sustainability of quality journalism in the digital age, as well as providing further guidance and close co-operation with member states on activities and programmes aimed at strengthening quality journalism.
