2018 was a difficult year for journalists worldwide: murder, imprisonment, physical assault, and censorship were amongst the many attacks against members of the press.
Comparatively, the situation of Luxembourg's journalists is a good one, but according to the president of the press council, Ines Kurschat, both the freedom of the press and the freedom of opinion are also under pressure in the Grand Duchy.
Generally speaking, journalists welcome the progressive move of a transparency law, but criticised the government's tendency to attempt to influence journalists.
In terms of the freedom of the press, the year's largest shock was was the so-called Chamberleaks affair.
Radio station 100,7 brought the affair concerning the lack of security of the Chamber of Deputies' website to the forefront of Luxembourg's news. As the messenger of the bad news, the station then found itself investigated by the police, judicial authorities, and by politicians.
Kurschat highlighted the attempt to exercise influence on the press, such as by having politicians sit on the executive committee of a daily paper or the Ministry of State's trusted men intervening at a public radio station.
Despite these setbacks, journalists admitted there had been progress, citing the new law on transparency for citizens and journalists, which came into effect this year. How effective the law will be remains to be seen.
Bettel, in his speech as Minister for Communications and Media, acknowledged the concerns of the press, but highlighted the need to find a balance between the complaints of journalists and those of citizens and businesses.
He confirmed that he would continue working on diversifying the media scene in Luxembourg and acknowledged that the law on transparency could be readjusted in case of any pitfalls.
