Research & Studies

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.

Migration and population have long been a popular topic of disinformation in Malta, Europe’s most densely populated country, frequently encouraging xenophobic sentiments and spreading fear. This report looks into several instances of disinformation surrounding the issue in recent months.

Unusual summertime weather conditions in Cyprus frequently fuel false and misleading narratives about climate change. This report examines some of these narratives, exploring how climate change denialism raises its head with the August rainfall.

Inquiries carried out by authorities in Malta, whether they are held in public or behind closed doors, have been a frequent target of mis- or disinformation. This report delves into several instances of this, examining some of the narratives frequently cited.

In the wake of a series of tragic construction-related incidents in Malta, this report investigates a series of disinformation narratives linked to the construction industry, one of the pillars of Malta’s economy.

The report looks into several harmful and malicious scams that have circulated across Maltese social media over the past months. The scams frequently use recontextualised content, AI-generated deepfakes or other malicious techniques to lure unsuspecting viewers into their trap.

The report looks into several harmful and malicious scams that have circulated across Maltese social media over the past months. The scams frequently use recontextualised content, AI-generated deepfakes or other malicious techniques to lure unsuspecting viewers into their trap.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky has been the frequent target of disinformation in Cyprus

This report looks into several disinformation narratives about migrants in Cyprus, many of them making false claims about the number of migrants in the country and claiming that migrants are causing social unrest and putting Cyprus’ ethnic, religious and cultural identity in jeopardy.

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.