12 May 2025
The Committee for Editorial Independence published findings from the Media Freedom Poll 2025. The fourth edition of the poll surveyed respondents in Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary. The press conference with a panel debate took place in Bratislava on 12th May 2025.
A brief poll presentation by Václav Štětka (Loughborough University) was followed by a panel discussion featuring Tessa Szyszkowitz (Committee for Editorial Independence), Pavol Szalai & Alexander Dworzak (Reporters Without Borders), Beáta Balogová (SME), Veronika Munk (Denník N), Márton Gergely (HVG), Michał Olszewski (Gazeta Wyborcza), Martin Ehl (Hospodářské noviny), Alexandra Borchardt (media researcher) and Misha Glenny (Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna).
The poll’s findings undercut claims of ‘censorship’ in EU digital policy and showed clear support of the public for transparent and effective regulation of social media to protect freedom of expression and democratic integrity.
“Central Europeans aren’t rejecting free speech – they want safeguards to ensure it remains free,” said Tessa Szyszkowitz, Chair of the Committee for Editorial Independence. “Today’s digital landscape requires protections against manipulation by algorithms, extremism, and profit-driven disinformation. Citizens increasingly view EU intervention not as overreach, but as essential democratic protection.”
The poll shows that almost 90% of people across the region demand platforms act decisively against hate speech, cyberbullying, and content promoting self-harm. 67% support actions against the spreading of disinformation. 66% believe that digital platforms should give preference to trustworthy sources of information. 61% of people agree that digital platforms should be transparent about their decisions regarding promotion or suppression of content.
The complete survey results and a video recording of the debate are available at www.mediafreedompoll.com.
The poll, conducted by MEDIAN on behalf of the Committee for Editorial Independence, with the support of the Bakala Foundation, surveyed 4,112 respondents aged 18 and above across the V4 countries between 31th March and 22nd April 2025. Partner of the press conference with panel debate was SME.
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