Exclusive insights into public opinion amidst growing political upheaval in Visegrád countries
Media Freedom Poll 2024 has revealed significant shifts in public attitudes towards media freedom, driven by political changes and growing concerns over Russian interference in the region.
The most striking finding is the sharp decline in concern over media freedom in Poland, dropping from 71% in 2023 to 53% in 2024, following the election of a more mainstream government. This contrasts with the situation in Slovakia and Hungary, where concern over the issue has grown compared to last year, as both governments continue to face criticism over its handling of media freedom and the rule of law.
As the region grapples with political shifts and Russian influence, the findings of the Media Freedom Poll 2024 underscore the critical importance of safeguarding media independence. The strong public support for action highlights the urgent need for a robust response from governments, civil society, and international institutions.
The poll also highlighted the growing fear of Russian penetration of domestic media and public opinion across the V4 countries. A majority of respondents expressed concerns about Russia’s influence, with figures ranging from 61% in Hungary to 77% in Poland.
Despite these concerns, there is strong public support for governments to take action to safeguard media freedom. An overwhelming majority of respondents across all four countries believe that states should strengthen legislation to protect media independence, with figures reaching as high as 78% in Poland and 74% in Slovakia.
We see that concerns are increasing in Slovakia and Hungary, while they are decreasing in Poland. And citizens expect the EU to take strong action to protect media freedom.
Concerns about media freedom
Trends and shifts
How do people assess the importance of independent media?
Czech Republic
Importance of political independence of media
Independence from media owners
Independence of public service media from the government
Editorial autonomy of newsrooms
Poland
Importance of political independence of media
Independence from media owners
Independence of public service media from the government
Editorial autonomy of newsrooms
Slovakia
Importance of political independence of media
Independence from media owners
Independence of public service media from the government
Editorial autonomy of newsrooms
Hungary
Importance of political independence of media
Independence from media owners
Independence of public service media from the government
Editorial autonomy of newsrooms
The press conference revealing the findings of Media Freedom Poll 2024, hosted by HVG in Budapest, took place on 25th April 2024. A brief poll presentation was followed by a panel discussion featuring Tessa Szyszkowitz (moderator), Márton Gergely (HVG, Hungary), Beáta Balogová (SME, Slovakia), Bartosz Wieliński (Gazeta Wyborzca, Poland), Veronika Munk (Denník N, Slovakia), Alexander Dworzak (Reporters Without Borders, Austria) and Václav Štětka (Loughborough University, UK), with comments from European Commissioner Věra Jourová.
About the survey
Media Freedom Poll is the most comprehensive annual barometer of public attitudes towards media freedom in the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary. This year's poll marks the third consecutive year of data collection, allowing for an in-depth analysis of trends and shifts in public opinion.
All the three years of the survey were conducted by MEDIAN on behalf of the Committee for Editorial Independence, with the support of the Bakala Foundation, surveying over 4,000 respondents aged 18 and above across the V4 countries each year. The findings of the Media Freedom Poll 2024 were presented at a press conference with a panel debate that took place in Budapest on 25th April 2024. Partners of the press conference were Reporters Without Borders, Austria, and HVG.
Poll's results
Press release
Recommendations of the Committee for Editorial Independence based on Media Freedom Poll 2023
The media freedom survey is an initiative of the Committee for Editorial Independence, supported by the Bakala Foundation. The findings of Media Freedom Poll 2024 are presented in cooperation with the Reporters Without Borders, Austria and HVG.