Freedom of the Press 2008 - Liechtenstein

Status: Free
Legal Environment: 1 (of 30)
Political Environment: 5 (of 40)
Economic Environment: 8 (of 30)
Total Score: 14 (of 100)
(Lower scores = freer)

Liechtenstein's press continued to be one of the freest in the world. Freedom of expression is guaranteed under Article 40 of the 1921 constitution, and no major press freedom violations were reported in 2007. Laws currently being prepared by the government concerning press freedom include one on electronic communication to foster media and to promote smaller media outlets. There were no attacks on the press in 2007.

Liechtenstein has two publicly owned daily newspapers, Liechtensteiner Vaterland and Liechtensteiner Volksblatt; one Sunday paper, Liewo; and the monthly Der Monat. Since it encountered financial troubles in 2004, the former private radio station Radio Liechtenstein is now owned by the government and funded by some commercial revenue. The local TV-Channel Landeskanal broadcasts official information over the cable network. Anyone can submit a request to broadcast material of national relevance. All content has to be authorized by the government. Satellite television is widely viewed. Because of its small size and shared language, Liechtenstein relies heavily on media from neighboring Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. The internet is open and unrestricted, and just over 64 percent of the population accessed this medium on a regular basis in 2007. The government has started to publish information online and has established feedback mechanisms.