Global Attacks On Journalism Demand Action And Resilience
As 2023 draws to a close, the International Press Institute (IPI) has issued a stark call to address the escalating assaults on journalism and press freedom worldwide.
According to the group, at least 65 journalists have been killed in Israeli airstrikes and ground raids since the start of the Israel-Gaza war just under three months ago. This is the largest number of journalists killed in such a short span of time in any modern war or conflict.
Report says journalists inside Gaza, along with other civilians, are facing an unfolding humanitarian crisis, lacking access to food, water, medicine, and, at times, to communications.
Meanwhile, IPI has consistently called on Israel to respect the rules of war, which obliges states to protect journalists and civilians in times of armed conflict. “We continue to call on the international community to take urgent and concrete action to protect the rights of journalists to cover this war freely and safely, amid Israel’s relentless and indiscriminate assault on Gaza that has resulted in staggering and unacceptable civilian casualties and wide-scale devastation.”
In other conflict zones from Ukraine to Sudan to Haiti, journalists navigate daily threats and dangerous conditions. As a result of rampant impunity for crimes against the press, journalists around the globe continue to be targeted for their watchdog work. Authoritarian regimes from Afghanistan to China deploy a range of tactics including censorship, intimidation, harassment, and imprisonment to create an atmosphere of fear. Private tech companies are amplifying threats, with unaccountable policies and practices that give governments vast and unchecked surveillance and censorship powers.
While, Media outlets are increasingly vulnerable to capture by political and commercial interests, while laws to combat terrorism or cybercrime are being weaponized to restrict independent public interest journalism.
Additionally, the group noted that these threats are not confined to autocratic regimes, as journalists in established democracies are facing increased harassment and interference in their work. Despite many states professing to champion media freedom, too few translate these declarations into actions.
Positive Developments
Furthermore, IPI acknowledges some positive developments, including key court rulings in 2023, defending press freedom and journalists’ rights. Notable instance includes the acquittal of IPI Executive Board member and Nobel Laureate, Maria Ressa for trumped up tax evasion charges and another baseless charge.
In South Africa, the country’s top court overturned a gag order against investigative outlet Amabhungane over its reporting on the Moti Group company based on leaked information. In Turkey, a court convicted the perpetrator and nine others linked to the 2022 murder of journalist Güngör Arslan, even as other cases of journalist killings there remain mired in impunity.
Throughout the global landscape, IPI has remained as committed as ever to its mission of defending the free press wherever it is threatened. For over seven decades they have been at the forefront of the fight for press freedom, independent journalism, and the safety of journalists across the globe – raising cases of physical and legal attacks against journalists, as well as cases of censorship, cyberattacks, surveillance, and media capture.
Report says this year, the group has released more than 400 statements, calls, and articles on global threats to journalism, as well as headed press freedom missions, published country reports, in in-depth legal briefs, and addressed evolving challenges such as media capture, disinformation, and climate journalism,
IPI’s commitment extended to supporting cross-border investigative journalism through the IJ4EU program, which provides over 1.23 million euros to finance 50 investigations by hundreds of media outlets delving into the impacts of the climate crisis, the harrowing realities of human trafficking, and the intricate workings of international crime syndicates.
Media innovation
Additionally, amid the struggle for survival by independent media, IPI’s media innovation program provides support to 37 media organizations from 25 countries and four continents. They support the development of novel revenue streams and audience-centric editorial products and the reshaping of organizational structures to increase efficiency. While facilitating global information sharing and support through various platforms, including newsroom visits, case studies, dedicated social media platforms, and flagship events like the annual IPI World Congress and the inaugural Media Innovation Festival in Vienna.
Report says the 2023 IPI World Congress and Media Innovation Festival brought more than 300 journalists from around the world to Vienna.
During the two dynamic days of expert networking, the event facilitated discussions on the rapidly changing global and technological landscape for media, focusing on the threats and opportunities of AI for independent journalism.
The group of journalists came together to combat global threats to media freedom and honoured the unwavering resolve of Mexican journalist Carmen Aristequi, who was named the 2023 IPI-IMS World Press Freedom Hero.
They also celebrated Myanmar Now as the 2023 IPI-IMS Free Media Pioneer, recognizing the outlet’s courageous commitment to reporting amid the military junta’s crackdown.
The IPI network continues to flourish, and this year the organization proudly welcomed over 100 new members. These individuals and organizations have joined our network of more than 1,000 leading editors, publishers, journalists, and media freedom supporters from more than 100 countries. Solidarity, resilience, and support among our members, allies, and the wider community is one of our key strengths.
Looking ahead to 2024, with over 75 elections across the globe, IPI faces an enormous challenge and a vital opportunity to fortify the integrity and resilience of a free and independent press as a cornerstone of democracy. Only together can we defend these freedoms.
PR/Christopher Ojilere
