Media freedom and the responsibility for a word in public debate. In the article
the author analyzes the implementation of the media right to criticize the government.
This regulation faces in practice considerable difficulties. Regardless of
the widely accepted and constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech, there are
many barriers for the journalistic freedom of expression. It is all about the legal
and ethical barriers. The concept of material freedom of the media was not in fact
implemented by the legislation of the European states.
In the author’s opinion, the threat of criminal liability for the abuse of freedom of
expression, does not limit the right of citizens to criticize the government, but it
makes the right to criticize much more effective if is accompanied by a responsibility
for word.