Freedom of expression and freedom of the media

Participants felt that freedom of the media and freedom of expression were well protected overall in Cyprus, by both constitutional provisions and ordinary legislation. However, they considered that the media institutional framework was outdated. Discussions with stakeholders had been under way for almost seven years to update the law, and participants hoped that it would bring about a new legislative framework by the end of the current legislature. Participants believed that the new legislation should allow journalists to self-regulate, in particular in the area of disciplinary procedures and ethical matters – a possibility which already existed according to a later comment by the Cypriot authorities, respecting the Code of Ethics as set out by the Cyprus Media Complaints Commission. 
They also shared concerns with regard to the draft law on strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP).

Participants mentioned that media pluralism fared well in Cyprus, as there were multiple publications, and radio and TV stations. Current legislation entailed measures against concentration of media ownership, such as requiring media companies to list all shareholders who owned more than a small share, and prohibiting any shareholder from owning more than a quarter of the shares. However, some participants believed that such measures were being circumvented by shareholders who operated through third parties, which the authorities had limited capacity to address.

Participants expressed the view that commercial libel legislation in Cyprus was very strict. For example, it was stated that certain rules allowed courts to prohibit media outlets from mentioning a specific company, person or organisation in publications. Participants mentioned a tendency to self-censorship when covering certain subjects that might have financial implications for the news outlet in question, or which covered certain sensitive topics. For example, journalists avoided topics like migration or the Turkish Cypriot community out of fear of being stigmatised or labelled unpatriotic. Some stories about corruption in Cyprus were given good coverage in international media, but not as much in national media.

Regarding hate speech, the Cyprus Media Complaints Commission had received multiple complaints regarding racism and xenophobia. There were numerous instances where the language used in subjects relating to migration was inappropriate.

Participants felt that fake news was more prevalent in the online environment than in classic media outlets. However, some participants felt that certain media productions were predominantly one-sided, especially on matters regarding the Cyprus problem, or that certain topics such as migration were treated in an exaggerated manner. In the participants' views, the most reliable source of news was the written press, which adhered to rigorous standards.