Television (BNT, bTV, Nova, etc.) and online media are the two main news sources in a country where the print media are gradually losing its influence. The political affiliation of the members of the Council for Electronic Media negatively affects the editorial independence of the public media, while the independence of privately owned media is threatened by their owners’ interests in other regulated sectors.

The intimidation of journalists by politicians and the manipulation of certain media for political purposes are a common practice in Bulgaria. After a 12-year decline in press freedom under Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and more than a year of political instability, Bulgaria has had a relatively stable government committed to guaranteeing press freedom since June 2023.

The country’s overall legislative framework provides minimum standards for the protection of journalists, in line with the requirements of the European Convention on Human Rights and case-law of the Strasbourg Court. At the same time, corruption, the lack of independence and the low effectiveness of the judicial system make the state often powerless vis-a-vis press freedom violations. Independent media and investigative journalists are often subjected to SLAPP procedures.

The media are almost entirely dependent on income from advertising, which is largely controlled by the state. Distribution of national and EU funds to the media by the government lacks transparency, which facilitates a partisan allocation in favour of media that support the government. However, the government that took office in June 2023 has said it intends to address this problem.

Investigative reporters covering organized crime and corruption are regularly threatened. In addition, media specializing in minority issues or funded by foundations from the United States and Western Europe are frequently confronted with hostility and hate campaigns.

Persistent threats and physical assaults against journalists in Bulgaria are a major problem.

The effect of this violence, which especially affects reporters outside the capital, is aggravated by the level of impunity for such acts of violence. The use of force against journalists by police is a systemic problem, as was highlighted by the unprecedented police violence in late 2023.