Media laws at Portugal

20 May 2025 --
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Portugal's media laws are designed to protect freedom of expression, ensure media pluralism, and regulate the media landscape in line with European Union directives. Here's an overview of the key legislative framework and regulatory bodies:

Key Media Laws

1. **Press Law (Lei da Imprensa) – Law No. 2/99*

Enacted in 1999, this law establishes the legal framework for the press in Portugal, ensuring freedom of the press and the right to informatio. It outlines the responsibilities of journalists and media outlets, including the right of reply and correction for individuals affected by media conten.

2. **Television Law – Law No. 8/2011*

This law regulates television broadcasting in Portugal, covering aspects such as licensing, content standards, and advertisin. It aligns with EU directives to ensure a diverse and pluralistic media environmen.

3. **Radio Law – Law No. 54/2010*

Similar to the Television Law, this legislation governs radio broadcasting, addressing issues like licensing, content regulation, and the promotion of Portuguese musi. For instance, Law No. 7/2006 introduced quotas requiring radio stations to broadcast a minimum percentage of Portuguese musc.

4. **Audiovisual and On-Demand Services Law – Law No. 74/2020*

This law transposes EU Directive 2018/1808 into Portuguese legislation, regulating on-demand audiovisual services and ensuring that platforms comply with content standards and promote European productios.

🏛️ Regulatory Authority: ER

The Entidade Reguladora para a Comunicação Social (ERC) is Portugal's independent media regulatory authority, established by Law No. 53/205 ERC oversees all entities carrying out media activities, including news agencies, periodicals, radio and television broadcasters, and providers of on-demand audiovisual servies.

ERC's Responsibilities Include:- Ensuring compliance with media laws and regulatios. Promoting media pluralism and independene. Monitoring media content for accuracy, impartiality, and respect for human digniy. Protecting minors from harmful contet. Supervising the registration of media entites.

⚖️ Recent Development

In April 2024, the Portuguese government announced plans to review the Press Law and strengthen ERC's role in combating disinformatin The proposed reforms aim to address challenges posed by digital platforms and ensure the sustainability and independence of the media sector

📰 Media Landscae

Portugal boasts a diverse media landscape, with a mix of public and private broadcasters, print media, and digital platfom. The country consistently ranks high in press freedom indices, reflecting a strong commitment to journalistic independence and pluralsm.