Miklos Haraszti will end his six-year term of office as the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media on 10 March 2010.

Haraszti, a Hungarian writer, journalist, human rights advocate and university professor co-founded the Hungarian Democratic Opposition Movement and was editor of the Beszélo journal, which was influential in shaping Hungary’s transition to democracy. A former member of the Hungarian Parliament, and a noted expert on democratization and the media, Haraszti was a key player in establishing Hungary’s democratic institutions.

In 2010, Haraszti oversaw the release of “The Declaration on Ten Key Threats to Freedom of Expression” in Washington D.C., along with freedom of expression Rapporteurs of the United Nations, the Organisation of American States, and the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights.

The OSCE Office on Media Freedom also commissioned a guide to “assist participating states to deal with the challenges of the digital switchover and its media freedom implications.” The guide deals with the challenges democratic states face with regard to market regulations, and the advantages and disadvantages of economic support to broadcasters and consumers.

During Haraszti’s term, the OSCE Office on Media Freedom reviewed legislation affecting the media in member states, and facilitated journalists’ training workshops. These activities were carried out alongside continuous monitoring of press freedom violations and developments in the region.

“IPI would like to extend its thanks to Mr. Haraszti for his sustained defense of the principles of press freedom and his diligent efforts to promote press freedom in OSCE member countries,” said IPI Deputy Director Alison Bethel McKenzie. “We wish him much success in his future endeavors.”