A key factor contributing to this decline is the strong influence of powerful entities over the media landscape, explains Larkou. Research from the Cyprus Investigative Reporting Network (CIReN) highlights how the government, the Church, and business interests exert significant control over media outlets, stifling pluralism and pushing journalists toward self-censorship. This trio of powers often operates tightly, with advertising revenue, sponsorships, and even threats of financial repercussions used to shape editorial content. The government, particularly under the oversight of President Nikos Christodoulides’ administration, is accused of categorizing public discourse into “friendly” and “hostile.” At the same time, the Church, as a major landowner, and business elites extend their reach through economic leverage. Though not unique to Cyprus, such dynamics manifest here with an almost inseparable entanglement, undermining the diversity of voices in the media.
Larkou emphasizes that the problem is further complicated by direct interventions in editorial decisions, which are facilitated by informal relationships between politicians and media owners. CIReN’s findings point to a growing concentration of media ownership and a lack of transparency in these structures, further eroding journalistic autonomy. Protective mechanisms for journalists remain limited, leaving them vulnerable to political interference. Meanwhile, political parties often prioritize media coverage that benefits their image, showing little concern for adherence to professional journalistic standards. This self-serving attitude, coupled with weak reformist forces, perpetuates a cycle of stagnation, where administrations come and go, yet the media environment only deteriorates.
Adding to these systemic challenges, RSF attributes much of Cyprus’ decline to a controversial draft bill on fake news. This legislation includes provisions allowing state officials to request court orders compelling journalists to reveal their sources, a move seen as a direct threat to press freedom. While some, including social media commentator Larkos Larkou, argue that this is only part of the problem, the broader issue lies in the symbiotic relationship between media owners and the government. Some proprietors even position themselves as co-rulers of the island, with public instances of media moguls issuing directives to political leaders, such as a notable 2021 statement to former President Nicos Anastasiades, urging him to “show he exists.”
Furthermore, as Larkous emphasizes, the similarity of news content across various channels indicates deeper structural problems. With limited resources, a small market, and increasing demands for digital and multimedia content, media outlets often produce repetitive, superficial reports—described colloquially as “boxed news.” This umbilical connection between government and editorial interests ensures that the public receives a homogenized version of events, further diminishing trust in journalism. While global leaders in press freedom like Norway, Estonia, and Denmark top the RSF Index, Cyprus’ trajectory aligns more closely with struggling nations, far from the ideals of a free press.
As this alarming report briefly captured public attention before fading amidst festive distractions, the question remains: will Cyprus address these entrenched issues or continue its downward spiral in media freedom? Confronting the powerful nexus of influence and prioritizing genuine reform over political expediency is the answer.