Overview

Exiled media can face significant legal issues and structural challenges in host countries. Having to grapple with complex and unfamiliar laws without assistance can prolong the process of registration, cause delays in obtaining licences or hinder the receipt of funding – all of which can severely impact their ability to operate.

Understanding local legislation and regulations – such as media law, labour law, taxation, or data protection – is also critical, as non-compliance can leave media outlets vulnerable to legal action and threats to sustainability.

In recognition of these challenges, as well as the barriers to accessing relevant support services, we have embedded legal support into our wider programme for exiled Russian and Belarusian outlets. This support aims to strengthen the operational resilience and sustainability of the dozens of media outlets we work with.

How we deliver our legal support

• Providing media with access to a qualified legal mentor. Our mentors are qualified legal professionals and help to identify pressing legal needs and support the outlets in complying with local regulatory requirements.
• Facilitating access to free legal assistance. This support is provided by leading international and local lawyers, who help to ensure that any identified legal needs are effectively addressed and assist the media outlets in navigating through unfamiliar legislation

To help exiled media understand their new legal and regulatory landscapes, we have delivered training that has covered data protection, copyright and employment rules. We have also produced practical guides outlining civil defamation laws, and the laws protecting journalist sources, in Germany – a place of refuge for hundreds of journalists.