Operational monitoring

A range of amendments was introduced into the Belarusian mass media legislation in June 2018. They tightened governmental control over the media field and the Internet in particular. However, it should be noted that even before that the state regulation in this field had been one of the strictest in the region. It is worth mentioning the restricted access to a popular Web-site charter97.org in Belarus, criminal cases, connected to the freedom of expression of opinions, and the reinforced pressure on freelance journalists for their cooperation with foreign media among the events and tendencies in the Belarusian mass media field in the first half-year 2018. There were continued arbitrary detentions of journalists and registered other obstacles to their activity. All that was taking place against the background of the commenced dialogue between Belarus and the EU and the statements about liberalization in the country, delivered by Belarusian authorities.

Special issue: Hot Spring 2017

  Mass Media Annual Results 2016 in Figures Main Events in Mass Media Field in October-December 2016  

Mass Media in the Period of Elections to the Chamber of Representatives

See illustrations and methodology in attached PDF

See illustrations in attached PDF

Mass Media on the Eve of Parliamentary Elections – 2016

“There exists a certain probability that the Web-content will be tracked more actively than before, in order to stop dissemination of negative rumors or people’s self-organization attempts…”, - Pauliuk Bykouski, media expert.

The Presidential election was the main factor that influenced the situation of mass media in Belarus in 2015. The election was held on October 11, 2015. On the eve of the Presidential election, the authorities introduced stricter norms into the media legislation and its application practice. Apparently, the decision was also grounded on the intention of Belarusian government to reinforce control over the media coverage of the gradually aggravating economic situation in the country.

“Changes in Belarus always follow ‘one step forward – two steps backwards’ principle… We don’t need cosmetic changes. We need systemic reforms of Belarusian media legislation…”, – Mikhail Yanchuk, Deputy Chairperson, Belarusian Association of Journalists.