Media Self-Censorship in Austria
By: Timna Besenbäck
Mar 06, 2026
Media self-censorship often goes hand in hand with government censorship efforts. However, this week’s graph illustrates, using Austria as an example, that media self-censorship can rise significantly even in the absence of increased government censorship.
While government media censorship efforts in Austria were almost equally low in 2014 and 2024, media self-censorship increased markedly over the same period. This raises the question: why? Two potential explanations stand out.
First, the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), known for its hostile rhetoric toward the media and threats to independent journalism, has gained political influence over the past decade. During its participation in government between 2017 and 2019, a slight increase in government media censorship efforts coincided with a much stronger rise in the harassment of journalists. Both are widely recognized drivers of media self-censorship.
The threat this posed to media freedom drew substantial national and international criticism, and the coalition ultimately collapsed following the release of a leaked video in which the FPÖ leader outlined plans to gain control over Austria’s largest national newspaper.
Although government censorship efforts declined after the FPÖ left office, elevated levels of journalist harassment and media self-censorship persisted, suggesting that intimidation effect endured beyond direct government participation and were likely reinforced by the FPÖ’s victory in the 2024 parliamentary election.
Second, increased caution in covering the genocide in Gaza, a particularly sensitive issue in Austria given its antisemitic history, may also have played a role.
Regardless of the reasons for self-censorship, the importance of independent and free media for democracy is undeniable. It is not without reason that the media are often described as the fourth pillar of democracy. While government censorship efforts rarely go unnoticed, self-censorship is harder to detect and therefore, equally, if not more concerning. Media self-censorship opens the door to a silent erosion of democracy and can represent an early step toward silent autocratization.
This week’s graph highlights that media self-censorship is not merely a by-product of government censorship efforts but can persist independently, due at least in part to sustained harassment of journalists. For the media to fulfil their democratic role, the absence of government censorship is not sufficient. Journalists must also be effectively protected from harassment, as self-censorship poses an equally serious threat to democracy.
Note: The first two variables are measureed on a scale of 0-4, while Media self-censorship is measured on a scale of 0-3. Higher numbers mean that the situation is better, lower numbers indicate more harassment and censorship.
