Reports

Romania’s media market seems vibrant and diverse, but in reality, the local environment hardly enables independent journalism to thrive. Independent journalism survives thanks to a string of small online outlets that are struggling financially and grappling with a low level of trust and a public unwilling to pay for media content.

Technology in Romania: Fast Is Not Fair

October 17, 2019

Program - Research

Romania has one of the most competitive technology markets in the world. But who benefits from it?

Journalism in Kyrgyzstan: Feeding at the Public Trough

October 14, 2019

In a country where media heavily rely on government funding and informal payments, there can’t be much independent reporting. Kyrgyz journalists attest to that.

Lying for Fun, Politics and Money in Hungary

September 5, 2019

Program - Research

Hungarian Media

Facebook appears to be the almost exclusive source of traffic for Hungarian misinformation websites, which fall on the spectrum from purely ideological sites to simple money-making machines. Their Facebook pages are stable, directing users to their ever-changing URLs.

Spooks and Royals: How Media Policy Works in Jordan

September 4, 2019

The secret service, government officials and the royals shape Jordan’s media policy. The consequences for the country’s journalism are dire.

Slovakia’s Misinformation Barons

August 28, 2019

The Slovak misinformation industry is growing fast, buoyed by ads and e-commerce, but many people support them directly, too, through donations or tax designations.

How to Gain a Political Sinecure in Romania: Join a Media Regulator

August 27, 2019

Media regulation in Romania remains an openly political affair where chaos rather than strategy and expertise rules.

Bosnia’s Professional Liars

August 21, 2019

The fake news phenomenon hasn’t spared the Balkans. In Bosnia & Herzegovina, it fuels a lucrative industry.

Funding Journalism in Georgia: One Government, Two Families and Two Brothers

August 12, 2019

Program - Research