The analysis involved the viewing of 140 editions of news blocks, totalling 170 hours, 28 minutes, and 53 seconds of broadcasting time.
The main Portuguese TV channels were analysed throughout the year.
It focused on the level playing field and fairness in the digital media ecosystem and the effectiveness of mechanisms to promote European productions.
The funds available for regional and local media reached 61 883.11 euros.
The Portuguese Regulatory Authority for the Media has ruled for the first time on content generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) in a television news program, stating that media outlets using AI must follow codes of good practices and make it explicit to the public whether these systems are used only as adjuncts in tasks or whether they replace journalists in the production of journalistic content.
In its assessment of this case, ERC recalled the 10 general principles set out in the Paris Charter on Journalism and AI, which should guide the use of AI systems in journalistic practice. In particular, the need to respect the founding ethical precepts of journalism, transparency in the use of AI systems in journalism and the prior and independent evaluation by the media and journalists of AI systems used in journalism.
The Portuguese Media Regulatory Authority (ERC) published two studies on the protection of younger audiences in the media.
The first, on Children and Young People in the Media in 2022, summarizes ERC’S regulatory actions.
This document brings together thematic analyses carried out by ERC's Media Analysis Department and Media Literacy Unit, as well as the final decisions adopted by the Regulatory Board on the Representation of Children and Youths in Media, as subjects of broadcast content and as recipients.
On April 11th, the EuropeanMedia Freedom Act (EMFA) was officially adopted by the co-legislators of the European Union - the Council and the European Parliament - establishing a new set of rules and mechanisms to promote media pluralism and independence in the European internal market.
The Regulation aims to protect journalists and media service providers, both public and private, from political interference in editorial decisions, while facilitating their cross-border operation and also ensuring transparency in media ownership.
On January 30th, ERC took part in the meeting "The resilience of democracy in times of disinformation", organized by the National Electoral Commission (CNE) and which also included journalists from various media outlets. The aim of the initiative was to discuss issues related to combating disinformation in election coverage.
At the end of the meeting, it was proposed that a reflection group be set up between the CNE, ERC, the media, digital platforms, academia and international entities, to cooperate and share experiences and knowledge, with a view to creating more agile action methodologies.
ERC was represented by the Chair of the Regulatory Board, Helena Sousa, and Members Telmo Gonçalves and Carla Martins.
Following a request for information from the Portuguese Journalists’ Professional License Committee on journalists' right of access to spaces open to the public, ERC’s Regulatory Board, on 9 November, adopted the Decision ERC/2023/408 (DJ) summarising the legal framework and the general principles applicable to the exercise of the right of access that have been governing ERC's decisions.
The members incorporating the next cycle of ERC´s Regulatory Board took up office before the President of the Portuguese Parliament on the December 14th at 12.00 pm in the Parliament premises.
