The fight for press freedom: Perspectives from global media leaders

"The lack of adequate resourcing for media in low and middle income countries is deeply troubling. It is no longer a case of simply a broken business model but rather, a global failure to ensure the news media is able to operate in the public interest. Without consistent, reliable sources of funding, media organizations are vulnerable to interests that take them further away from serving the information needs of the public. All over the world we are witnessing multi-pronged externalities muddying the ability of news media to serve the public in their own interest. In Nairobi recently, I heard about a newsroom so under strain that its reporters were sleeping in the newsroom because they hadn’t been paid in months and had defaulted on their rental agreements. And against this reality, you still saw copies of that newspaper in the newsagents every morning. It is remarkable that so many journalists continue to persevere, despite the challenges they face. And it is similarly heartening that commitments to supporting independent journalism are coming alive through initiatives like the International Fund for Public Interest Media."

"We are concerned about the shrinking of civic space, which is apparent in various aspects of public life. The verbal and physical attacks on the press that translates into an attack every 13 hours. In addition, there have already been 157 murders of journalists so far in Mexico in the 21st century, with 37 occurring during the current government. We are concerned about the growing militarization of public life and how that unchecked military power uses espionage tools against activists, human rights defenders and journalists. Adding to our worries is an almost complete impunity rate - 98% of all these cases. As if that were not enough, job insecurity for journalists persists, making them more vulnerable to the attacks. We are inspired by the creation of local protection networks for journalists; for these networks to civil organisations to be able to work better together; and to continue raising our voices despite the adversity and verbal hostility from those in power. It gives us hope that collectives of activists continue fighting for their disappeared and murdered relatives and that they join in solidarity with all the victims."

"The practice of press freedom in Colombia faces multiple obstacles and pressures. On the one hand, violence against journalists has increased significantly in recent years. Unfortunately, threats and homicides are the most common strategies to silence journalists. On the other hand, political leaders and public officials (at the national and local level) contribute to this hostile environment by stigmatizing the press that investigates and scrutinizes matters of high public interest. This situation seems to intensify with the use of social networks. Finally, in Colombia, censorship attempts have been transforming and becoming more sophisticated. I am inspired by the participants of Consonante, our journalism laboratory: leaders and students who want to tell stories and do research in their municipalities, where there are few or no media outlets that disseminate local news. Thus, through journalism, information flows, citizenship is strengthened and democracy is fortified."

“Journalists and media outlets continue to be targeted in a variety of ways, from criminal charges to tax fraud allegations, from content blocking to violence or imprisonment. These abuses are widespread, silencing public interest reporting and depriving communities of vital information. Yet there is cause to be optimistic. Globally, we are witnessing real momentum to prevent these abuses, with incredible, dedicated organisations defending journalists in countries with the highest need, and international coalitions taking shape to pool resources and expertise. The courts offer hope too: not only are we able to seek redress for individual journalists, but these cases offer the opportunity to advance standards on press freedoms in the long run, changing the legal landscape in which the media operate.”

"In Colombia, politicians and high officials are attacking journalists through stigmatizing and unfounded accusations, putting them in danger. One such victim is Rafael Moreno. I constantly witness how rigorous journalistic investigations are initially denied by the accused, who take the opportunity to attack the journalists who published them. However, months later, evidence emerges confirming the initial allegations. A second worrying element is that this happens with impunity. Rarely are perpetrators held accountable for violence against journalists. Finally, it is concerning that this cycle of violence and impunity almost legitimizes aggressions against the press in the eyes of the public. As a result, citizens have less and less confidence in the media (a phenomenon that has its roots in several other factors), they do not understand the work of journalists, and on many occasions, they attack us when we cover demonstrations or public meetings. I am inspired by the determination of Colombian journalists, who have learned not to be intimidated by violence. That is why initiatives like the Rafael Project are a way of resisting violence. For me it was inspiring to work hand in hand with journalists with such diverse skills under the same objective: not to let violence win and to ensure that Rafael Moreno's work is not forgotten. To that extent, every day I am more convinced that the best way to respond to attacks on the press is with better journalism."