Independent media are an integral part of a free and democratic society. However, like the protection of democracy, the protection of freedom of speech is an ongoing process.

Until 2016, CEDEM was known as the Media Law Institute, an organization specializing in the media sphere. We have added new areas, but the development of independent media remains as relevant to us as it was in 2005. We strive to influence the media sphere, protect Public Broadcasting and independent media, and advocate for the introduction of new regulations that correspond to the times and our European integration obligations. We explain complex matters in accessible language, analyze threats and FIMI, even in gaming environments, explain the dangers of Telegram, and offer training on topics ranging from classic media law to artificial intelligence.

Our work in this area is divided into several key spheres:

• Media Law: development and improvement of legislation, its quality implementation, and legal consultations for journalists;
• Support for Public Broadcasting: the creation of which was one of the first areas of activity of our organization since its founding;
• Participation in the implementation of key media reforms: including transparency of media financing, updating of audiovisual legislation, reform of press denationalization, in the development and promotion of which CEDEM experts were involved;
• Provision of legal consultations: including support in the area of copyright and personal data protection;
• Promotion of the ethical use of artificial intelligence: particularly in the media sphere, through cooperation with companies that have signed the Voluntary Code of Conduct on Ethical and Responsible Use of AI, as well as training journalists, media workers, and other interested parties in the use of AI tools;
• Training programs for journalists, teachers, and students;
• Freedom of speech online: including interaction with social networks to raise awareness about the specifics of the Ukrainian segment and protect freedom of expression;
• Enhancing media literacy and countering disinformation: including work with vulnerable target audiences to counter key disinformation narratives and aspects of internet safety;
• Training lawyers in the field of media law: within the framework of the International Summer School of Media Law, which we organized annually from 2005 to 2022. Before the start of the full-scale war, 17 streams were conducted, in which 401 graduates participated.
• Support and membership in the Independent Media Council: of which CEDEM is the initiator and co-founder.

We believe that every positive change in the media environment has a direct connection to changes in society. A regulated legal field establishes clear rules, educated and conscious journalists provide citizens with high-quality and balanced information, and informed citizens, in turn, consciously elect representatives of the authorities and use the media as a platform for communication and voicing needs, problems, ideas, and solutions.