The Danish government’s plan to establish a state-funded Media Ombudsperson with sweeping legal powers has sparked strong opposition from leading press freedom groups. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) warn the initiative could undermine the independence of Denmark’s media system rather than strengthen it.
The proposal, outlined in January 2025 by the Danish Media Liability Committee, would grant the Ombudsperson authority to launch defamation investigations, report cases directly to the police, and even intervene in civil proceedings. Critics say this unprecedented concentration of power in a state-appointed body threatens the vital separation between government and the press.
The European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) cautioned that such powers risk enabling judicial intimidation of journalists and could weaken the independent Press Council by allowing the Ombudsperson to influence its decisions. Nordic media organizations and international watchdogs have echoed these concerns, urging the Danish government to abandon the plan.
While advocates of reform argue for stronger media ethics and public trust, press freedom groups insist the risks of political interference far outweigh any potential benefits. They call on the government to engage with media stakeholders to ensure reforms align with European standards and protect Denmark’s long-standing tradition of independent journalism.