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.<\/p>\n
A brief poll presentation by V\u00e1clav \u0160t\u011btka<\/strong> (Loughborough University) was followed by a panel discussion featuring Tessa Szyszkowitz<\/strong> (Committee for Editorial Independence), Pavol Szalai<\/strong> & Alexander Dworzak<\/strong> (Reporters Without Borders), Be\u00e1ta Balogov\u00e1<\/strong> (SME), Veronika Munk<\/strong> (Denn\u00edk N), M\u00e1rton Gergely<\/strong> (HVG), Micha\u0142 Olszewski<\/strong> (Gazeta Wyborcza), Martin Ehl<\/strong> (Hospod\u00e1\u0159sk\u00e9 noviny), Alexandra Borchardt<\/strong> (media researcher) and Misha Glenny<\/strong> (Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna).<\/p>\n 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n