Last call for accreditation: Media center for the Vienna election opens!

Last call for accreditation: Media center for the Vienna election opens!

Wien, Österreich - On April 20, 2025, the deadline for the accreditation of journalists ends who would like to receive access to the media center for the Vienna election 2025. The media center will open on April 27, 2025 in the Vienna town hall to offer both national and international journalists a platform. In order to ensure collateral regarding reporting, journalists can only receive access with previous, valid accreditation. There are no accreditations on site. Registration takes place via the website Medienzentrum.wien.gv.at .

The premises of the media center, including the ballroom and the coat of arms, are converted into modern TV studios, which can be used for current live reporting and the production of content. On the election day itself, the media center opens its doors from 3:00 p.m. and enables journalists to find out and work in the middle of the action.

role of the media in democracy

The importance of media freedom is not only addressed for the upcoming Viennese choice, but also emphasized again and again at European level. A draft of a decision by the European Parliament emphasizes the need to strengthen media freedom and protect journalists. In times of crises, such as Covid-19 pandemic, the central role of journalists in the provision of reliable information became particularly clear. The document points out that freedom, pluralism and independence of the media are decisive for the democratic functioning of the EU.

The resolution also raises worrying points, such as increasing violence and threats to journalists, as well as the economic restrictions on media freedom through unequal award of public advertising. Murders to journalists, such as those of Daphne Caruana Galizia and Ján Kuciak, illustrate the dangers that media professionals are exposed. For this reason, the European Parliament calls for a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework to effectively protect media freedom.

future measures and challenges

The demands for better protection for journalists and their sources are urgent. The increasing disinformation and its effects on democratic discourse represent a significant challenge. The role of online platforms, in the spread of fake news, must be viewed critically. Furthermore, a European fund is required to support independent media companies and journalists to guarantee a diverse media landscape.