The methodology is based on a multidimensional framework that examines three interdependent dimensions: the media ecosystem, the political system, and the societal context. Each dimension includes five composite indicators capturing key structural conditions and pressures that may increase the risk of media capture.
This tripartite approach reflects the assumption that media capture is not confined to the media sphere, but emerges from systemic imbalances across institutional, political, economic, technological and cultural domains. The framework therefore considers both legacy media structures and digital platforms, including their interactions with journalists, news organizations and other communicative actors. It also incorporates the broader political and societal contexts, including citizens’ capacity to navigate an increasingly complex information environment.
To discover in detail the whole methodology, as well as to access the data sources and the full dataset, click on the links below.
Data sources
The map is based on data drawn from publicly available sources as listed in Table 1.
Table 1 – Sources
| Data Source | Host Institution | Time Period | Type of Sources | Countries |
| Media Pluralism Monitor (MPM) | EUI (European University Institute) | 2025 | Experts | EU 27 + 5* |
| Euromedia Ownership Monitor (EOM) | University of Salzburg et al. | 2022-2023 | Experts | EU 27 |
| V-Dem | University of Gothenburg | 2024 | Experts | EU 27 + 5 |
| Freedom House | Freedom House | 2024 | Experts | EU 27 + 5 |
| World Bank | World Bank | 2022 | Experts | EU 27 + 5 |
| Index of Public Integrity (IPI) | ERCAS/CIPE | 2023 | Experts | EU 27 + 5 (No Montenegro) |
| Transparency Index (T-Index) | ERCAS/CIPE | 2024 | Experts | EU 27 + 5 |
| Eurobarometer Standard 101 | European Union | 2024 | Citizens | EU 27 |
| Eurobarometer Media & News Survey | European Union | 2023 | Citizens | EU 27 |
| Eurostat | European Union | 2023 | Official data | EU 27 + 5 |
| Corruption Perception Index (CPI) | Transparency International | 2024 | Experts | EU 27 + 5 |
| Balkan Barometer | Regional Cooperation Council | 2024 | Citizens and Companies | Western Balkans |
| Global Education Monitoring Report | Unesco | 2022-2023 | Official data | EU 27 + 5 |
| Global State of Democracy Initiative | IDEA (International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance) | 2021-2024 | Official data + Experts | EU 27 + 5 |
* Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye.