ODNOS SLOBODE MEDIJA I JAVNOG INTERESA U REPUBLICI HRVATSKOJ/THE RELATIONSHIP OF MEDIA FREEDOM AND THE PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE REPUBLIC CROATIA

Abstract

In the context of recent political and social developments, the media have a key economic, social and cultural role. The Internet, but also traditional media, are the most important sources of information and ideas of public interest and an important factor that makes democracy stronger by encouraging the expression of public opinion and strengthening the public's right to receive information and ideas. Freedom of expression is one of the fundamental principles of a democratic society, but it is not absolute. It covers duties and responsibilities and is subject to certain formalities, conditions and restrictions, such as the protection of the reputation and rights of others, which are necessary in a democratic society. As these are rights that deserve equal protection, the courts’ task is to strike a fair balance between these rights by taking relevant factors into consideration. Therefore, the need for restrictions must be convincingly established and strictly interpreted, and the measures taken proportionate to the legitimate goal by which the intervention will be justified and freedom of expression will not be violated.