International groups call for media reforms in Malta

Leading international media freedom organisations have issued a strong appeal to the Maltese government, urging the adoption of a comprehensive National Action Plan on Media Freedom and Journalist Safety. This initiative, described by advocates as a “historic opportunity,” aims to cement enduring protections for journalists while honouring the legacy of Daphne Caruana Galizia, the investigative journalist murdered in 2017.

The call comes from the International Press Institute (IPI) and 17 other press freedom and journalist organisations. Their joint statement coincided with the eve of the eighth anniversary of Caruana Galizia’s assassination, highlighting the urgent need for Malta to translate recent public consultations on media reform into “concrete and measurable action.” These actions, the groups stress, must bring Malta into alignment with European and international standards on press freedom and journalist safety.

A comprehensive framework for media protection

The coalition submitted a detailed recommendation document to Maltese authorities, containing 14 strategic measures, with the creation of a national plan as the cornerstone. The plan is designed to strengthen legal, institutional, and practical safeguards for journalists and media organisations operating in Malta.

Among the key recommendations, the groups urge:

• Establishment of an inter-ministerial structure: A dedicated body would coordinate governmental responses to threats against journalists, ensuring rapid and unified action in cases of harassment, intimidation, or violence.
• Constitutional reform: Journalistic activity should be formally recognised as a fundamental pillar of democracy, including legal guarantees of access to information.
• Legislative and judicial action: Authorities are urged to address abusive lawsuits, often referred to as SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation), and to expand protections for whistleblowers who expose wrongdoing.
• Reform of public service media: Safeguarding editorial independence and implementing transparent appointments in state-run media outlets remain critical priorities.
• Increased transparency: This includes greater clarity in state advertising, media ownership, and monitoring of media concentration, reducing the risk of undue political or commercial influence over journalistic content.

These measures are intended not merely as policy guidelines but as actionable, enforceable steps capable of fostering a safer environment for journalists and a more transparent media ecosystem.

Malta’s ongoing media freedom challenges

The recommendations arrive against a backdrop of intense scrutiny over Malta’s media freedom record. The assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia in October 2017—a car bomb attack widely seen as a direct consequence of her investigative work—catapulted Malta into the international spotlight. While several individuals have been convicted or charged in connection with the killing, media freedom organisations assert that broader systemic vulnerabilities remain unaddressed.

The coalition emphasises that the full implementation of the 2021 public inquiry recommendations is vital. These include criminal provisions targeting abuse of office and obstruction of justice, measures designed to prevent future attacks on journalists and ensure accountability at the highest levels of power.

International standards underpinning the submission include guidance from the United Nations, Council of Europe, European Commission, and OSCE. Notable frameworks referenced are the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists, the Council of Europe’s 2024 Recommendation on SLAPPs, and the European Commission’s 2021 Journalist Safety Recommendation.

Additionally, the coalition urges targeted training for judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officials, combined with public awareness campaigns promoting respect for journalism. Particular attention is given to protecting female journalists from online harassment, gender-based abuse, and other forms of digital intimidation.

Addressing gender-specific challenges in journalism

While threats to journalists in Malta affect professionals broadly, the coalition emphasises the disproportionate risks faced by women. Online harassment, doxxing, and gendered abuse are increasingly prevalent, especially for female investigative reporters. By implementing tailored protective measures and educational campaigns, the Maltese government could foster a more inclusive and secure environment, ensuring that women can engage in journalism without fear of harassment or retaliation.

Public and institutional reform

The coalition also calls for structural reforms that would enhance public trust in Malta’s media. Ensuring the independence of public service media is deemed essential, as state-run outlets have historically faced scrutiny over editorial interference. Transparent hiring processes, independent editorial boards, and mechanisms to prevent political influence are all central to achieving this goal.

Equally important is media ownership transparency, which helps citizens understand potential biases and conflicts of interest. Monitoring the concentration of media control—particularly by corporate or political actors—can reduce the risk of monopolisation and promote pluralism in public discourse.

Commemorating Daphne Caruana Galizia

Marking the anniversary of her death, the coalition reiterated the demand for justice for Daphne Caruana Galizia. The statement underscores the need to hold all perpetrators accountable as legal proceedings continue.

Tom Gibson, EU Representative and Advocacy Manager at the Committee to Protect Journalists, said:
“The implementation of such recommendations would be an appropriate and meaningful way to continue to mark the life and legacy of Daphne Caruana Galizia.”

The call is not only symbolic. It serves as a reminder that systemic reform—rather than isolated prosecutions—is required to prevent the recurrence of violence against journalists in Malta.

International support and solidarity

The statement was co-signed by leading organisations across Europe and globally, including:

• Association of European Journalists (AEJ)
• Civil Liberties Union for Europe
• Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
• European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
• European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
• Free Press Unlimited (FPU)
• Global Forum for Media Development
• International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
• IFEX
• Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS)
• International Press Institute (IPI)
• Media Diversity Institute
• Ossigeno per l’Informazione
• PEN International
• Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
• Society of Journalists (Warsaw)
• South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO)
• Spanish Federation of Journalists (FAPE)

This extensive coalition reflects broad international concern and a shared commitment to advancing press freedom and journalist protection in Malta.

Moving forward: measurable action and accountability

Press freedom advocates insist that Malta now has a chance to demonstrate a concrete commitment to reform. Recommendations are intended to be measurable, providing benchmarks for government progress on journalist safety, legal protections, and media independence.

Successful implementation of a National Action Plan on Media Freedom would have several far-reaching benefits:

• Reinforcing Malta’s reputation as a democratic state respecting freedom of expression
• Providing robust legal mechanisms to prevent abuse of power and intimidation
• Enhancing the safety of journalists, especially those investigating corruption or organised crime
• Strengthening public trust in media through increased transparency and editorial independence

The groups emphasise that reform should not be symbolic but actionable, monitored, and evaluated to ensure meaningful impact.

A historic opportunity for Malta

The coalition’s statement concludes with a reminder that Malta’s handling of media freedom and journalist protection is not only a domestic concern but a matter of international scrutiny. By adopting the recommended National Action Plan, Malta can honour the life and work of Daphne Caruana Galizia while ensuring that journalists can continue their essential role in democracy without fear.

The initiative represents a unique historic opportunity to enact reforms that may set a precedent for other countries facing similar challenges, ensuring that press freedom and accountability are not only protected on paper but realised in practice.

Conclusion

The call for a National Action Plan on Media Freedom and Journalist Safety represents a pivotal moment for Malta. It offers the government an opportunity to implement comprehensive reforms that not only honour the legacy of Daphne Caruana Galizia but also ensure that journalists can operate without fear of harassment, intimidation, or violence. By adopting measures such as constitutional safeguards for journalism, protection against abusive lawsuits, transparency in media ownership, and enhanced safety protocols for female journalists, Malta can reinforce its commitment to democracy and the rule of law. The successful implementation of these recommendations would demonstrate that the country values accountability, press freedom, and the essential role of independent journalism in society. Ultimately, the adoption of a national plan would mark a historic step toward a safer, more transparent, and resilient media environment in Malta.

FAQs

What is the National Action Plan on Media Freedom?
It is a proposed framework designed to protect journalists, ensure media independence, and align Malta with international press freedom standards.

Why is Daphne Caruana Galizia mentioned in this context?
Caruana Galizia was an investigative journalist murdered in 2017. Her case highlighted systemic issues in Malta regarding journalist safety.

What are SLAPPs, and why are they important?
SLAPPs are abusive lawsuits aimed at silencing journalists or critics. Eliminating them is key to protecting freedom of expression.

Which organisations are calling for media reform in Malta?
The appeal comes from the International Press Institute and 17 other media freedom organisations, including RSF, CPJ, AEJ, and EFJ.

What reforms are suggested for public service media?
Recommendations include safeguarding editorial independence, transparent appointments, and measures to prevent political interference.

How does the plan address online harassment?
The plan calls for measures specifically targeting online threats, with an emphasis on protecting female journalists from gender-based abuse.

Why is media ownership transparency important?
Transparency prevents undue influence and promotes media pluralism, allowing citizens to trust that reporting is impartial.

What international standards inform the recommendations?
Standards from the UN, Council of Europe, European Commission, and OSCE underpin the recommendations, including safety and anti-SLAPP guidelines.

What role does the Maltese government have in this initiative?
The government is urged to adopt, implement, and monitor the National Action Plan and associated reforms to protect journalists and press freedom.

How will progress be measured?
The plan includes concrete, actionable recommendations that can be monitored and evaluated for their effectiveness in improving journalist safety and media independence.