Large European media groups such as Ringier, PPT Group and Dogan Media International have a market presence alongside large and small local players (including Intact Media Group, RCS&RDS, Hotnews, G4Media, Recorder, Rise Project and PressOne). The market is diversified but fragmented, with many TV channels whose sustainability is fragile. Editorial decisions are often subordinated to the interests of owners, transforming the media into a propaganda tool. 

In Romania, the media lack independence and suffer from attempts at interference, especially regarding the appointments of the heads of public radio and television, and the National Audiovisual Council. Political parties can obtain favourable media coverage in return for opaque media funding. Populist politicians have adopted an aggressive political discourse towards journalists. 

Legislation protecting freedom of expression and the press is insufficiently enforced, although it is aligned with European standards, including at the constitutional level. Prosecutors’ interference with journalistic work amounts to harassment and raises serious concerns. The justice system is increasingly trying to push the media to reveal their sources. The number of abusive lawsuits (SLAPPs) has been growing, while court decisions do not always respect press freedom standards. 

Media funding mechanisms are often opaque, even corrupt. While the largest media companies manage to be economically viable, most depend on external sources of funding, including subsidies. The widespread practice of diverting public funds to the media, in a non-transparent manner, distorts the market and undermines the media’s watchdog function. Furthermore, the Ringier group’s new business strategy in Romania raised concerns about editorial independence in 2023 when several of its media editors were forced to leave.     

Public interest journalism has faced competition from misleading narratives and fake news from some media outlets and politicians, especially in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic and, more recently, the war in Ukraine. Some population groups tend to trust this false information, which sometimes converges with Russian propaganda and fuels their distrust in the media. 

The safety of journalists remains a matter of concern, as they are often the target of attacks, threats, and intimidation. In the high-profile harassment and smear campaign against reporter Emilia Sercan, the authorities not only failed to render justice but they were also suspected of being complicit. Surveillance remains an issue, with intelligence services seeking greater power and influence against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine and other international conflicts.