AEJ & the Council of Europe

Observer status at the Council of Europe's Steering Committee on Media and New Communication Services (CMDC) was granted to the AEJ in 2008. The AEJ is represented by the Media Freedom Representative, William Horsley.

The CMDC sets norms and standards relating to the media's work and seeks to protect the media's legitimate rights in a democracy. It deals with freedom of expression in the context of the new communications services, in addition to its efforts for traditional media and their role in the democratic process. The breadth of its interests is illustrated by the programme of the meeting on 25-26 March 2009.

The AEJ also supports the Council of Europe's 2009 anti-discrimination campaign. William Horsley has taken part in the meetings of the Group of Experts on Media and Diversity.

On 28-29 May 2009, the Council of Europe is holding its first Ministerial Conference on the Media and New Communication Services in Reykjavik. The focus is on topical themes, including "A new notion of media?", media regulation and self-regulation, public trust in media, and media relations with citizens and communities. William Horsley will represent the AEJ there.

A senior representative of the Council of Europe took part in the AEJ's media freedom session at the Linz Congress in November 2008.

Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner addresses AEJ 2009 Congress

AEJ responses for COE Expert Group: Media and Discrimination