The European Union wants to be able to regulate the press and even fire errant journalists, according to a report by the High Level Group on Media Freedom and Pluralism, published January 22. The report is designed to be a guideline to be used in drafting new regulations.
The report says that all nations should set up “independent media councils.” The report states: “Media councils should have real enforcement powers, such as the imposition of fines, orders for printed or broadcast apologies, or removal of journalistic status.” These councils “should follow a set of European-wide standards and be monitored by the Commission to ensure that they comply with European values.”
