The current debate in intergovernmental organizations about the object of freedom of the media has its origins in recent history. Conventions and other international legal and political documents provide, in retrospect, an insight into the relevant ideas shared by many, while accord on their meaning is usually reached by agreement that results from intense negotiations by both experts and diplomats. [---] The contemporary international debate is illustrated with an example of the latest challenges to the scope of freedom of the media. The document analysis leads to a possible solution to the current intergovernmental argument.