Panagiotis Ntatzis

In this report, we present the work conducted under Work Package 5 regarding the monitoring of media plurality in the region of Greece, Cyprus and Malta. The report examines the plurality and diversity of the news media ecosystem in 2023 in the three countries comprising the Mediterranean Digital Media Observatory (MedDMO) Hub. It follows last year’s Media Plurality Report and is the second release in an annual series published by MedDMO. The report is the outcome of a comprehensive review, data collection, and analysis of resources focused on the plurality and diversity of the three different news media ecosystems. It is based on the annual Media Pluralism Monitor (MPM), International Press Institute, European Centre for Press, Media and Freedom and national reports, incorporating advice and feedback from community members as well as data from various valuable sources and scientific publications.

This report highlights a series of disinformation narratives surrounding a controversial deal to hand over three of Malta’s public hospitals to a private consortium. A magisterial inquiry into the deal, recommended criminal charges against several key government officials, has been the subject of much debate in recent months.

This report highlights a disinformation narrative involving clips from border crossings on the double security fence located in the border region between Serbia and Hungary. These clips were used to mislead users into believing that the crossings take place in Evros’ border fence, the border region between Greece and Turkey. This work aimed to develop an understanding of how this disinformation narrative was spread and by whom.