Finland – (C6) Practice of access to information
There is an existing law that, in principle, provides open access to public information, but problems remain in practice.
Indicators: Control / Watchdog
Finland – (C5) Journalist’s job security
There are few specific legal provisions that apply only to journalists: but general legal provisions and labour contracts that cover the field provide journalists relatively strong occupational protection.
Finland – (C4) Journalism professionalism
Strong professional ethos and a high level of unionisation characterise the news media.
Denmark – (C6) Practice of access to information
Traditionally, Danish news media have enjoyed a relatively high widespread access to public information. However, a revision of the law in 2013 led to several restrictions that, despite debate and criticism, are still in place today.
Germany – (C9) Watchdog function and financial resources
Journalistic investigation is perceived as more important than a decade ago, but resources are rare. Investigative journalism tends to be outsourced to special units. The number of investigations is clearly limited by financial means and focused on those topics that guarantee high attention.
Germany – (C7) The watchdog and the media’s mission statement
Investigative and watchdog journalism is, in most cases, part of the self-conception of leading news media. Austerity measures and the economic situation of the media, however, often don’t leave enough resources for journalists to exercise it.
Germany – (C5) Journalist’s job security
Journalists’ job security depends on economic situations. Once employed, journalists normally remain employed for a long time. However, fixed and long-term contracts are thinning out, and there is an increased proportion of freelancers, who then must bear the brunt of economic disruptions.
Germany – (C4) Journalism professionalism
German journalists have a high level of education and a prevailing professional ethos, and resources are still sufficient in leading news media.
Germany – (C3) Transparency of data on leading news media
Transparency data on large parts of the media system is recorded and available to the public online.
Germany – (C2) Independence of the news media from powerholders
Independence from powerholders is guaranteed by law and widely respected, though there was one important case of undue influence by powerholders.
