Press freedom is an essential aspect of a free and democratic society. Although access to free and independent media is one of the primary human rights, recent data is not very encouraging. The 2022 edition of the World Press Freedom Index, which assesses the state of journalism in 180 countries and territories, highlights the rise of fake news and propaganda. Today, on International Press Freedom Day, check out more opinions and insights relating to online and traditional media nowadays.
Key Takeaways:
- Marked on the 3rd of May, this year’s theme for International Press Freedom Day is “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights”
- With the rise of social media, one of the biggest challenges regarding press freedom is the spread of misinformation and disinformation
- Experts predict that traditional media will remain available but will need to adapt to the new changes
- Overall, both traditional media and online media have their strengths and weaknesses, and it is likely that they will continue to coexist and evolve alongside each other
- Norway is at the top of the World Press Freedom Index 2022 while North Korea is the worst-performing country in this regard.
DevelopmentAid: What are the biggest challenges facing journalists today?
“With the rapid advancement of communication technology, journalism has experienced massive changes in news consumption and dissemination. The emergence of social media, digital platforms, and other forms of new media have opened up fresh avenues for journalists to reach their audience. With social media as a primary source of information, one of the most notable concerns is the prevalence of misinformation and disinformation. Currently, more deliberate and detailed research from credible and verifiable sources is required to distinguish between fact and fantasy. Today, journalists are under greater pressure to break a story with accurate data, and may not have enough time or put in the required effort to thoroughly fact-check. Additionally, technology now enables people to manipulate films and photographs, making it harder for journalists to report on facts while maintaining their credibility. Censorship is another issue, particularly in nations where the government regulates the press. This makes it difficult for journalists to report on major issues without fear of persecution thus denying people access to vital information that can influence their lives. Journalists may be targets because they cover government leaders, criminals, or extremist organizations. These risks can make journalists fearful to cover certain subjects that affect the broader public.”
“One of the biggest challenges is the spread of misinformation and disinformation. With the rise of social media and other online platforms, it has become easier for anyone to spread false or misleading information, which can quickly go viral and have serious consequences. Journalists must report accurately and fact-check their sources, but they face challenges in combating the spread of fake news and disinformation. Another challenge is the increasing hostility and violence towards journalists, who are often targeted by political leaders, criminal organizations, or other groups opposed to their reporting. This can range from verbal attacks to physical violence and even murder. In some countries, journalists face legal and regulatory restrictions that make it difficult for them to report on sensitive topics or to hold those in power accountable. Finally, the economic pressures facing traditional media organizations are a significant challenge for journalists. The decline in advertising revenue and the rise of online platforms have made it difficult for traditional news organizations to sustain themselves financially. This can lead to job losses, decreased resources for reporting, and a shift towards clickbait and sensationalism over quality journalism.”
DevelopmentAid: Will online media bury traditional media (TV, newspapers, and radio)?
“Undoubtedly, the rise of online media has had a detrimental effect on traditional media while gaining significant traction in its own right. However, traditional media still bears a rich legacy of serving as a trustworthy and reputable source of information for the public, and continues to be regarded as a reliable source of information. Most urban inhabitants own smartphones that allow them to access information in a couple of seconds, while conventional media is more available in rural areas and is still considered more reputable than online media, which often loses ground, especially when the content turns out to be non-verifiable or arguably fake. In several nations, traditional media, such as radio-journalism, still translates news from English into vernacular languages for its listeners. To remain relevant, most conventional media outlets have welcomed change and adapted digital content. Both have strengths and faults and will coexist and work harmoniously into the future.”
“It’s difficult to predict the future with certainty, but it’s unlikely that online media will completely ‘bury’ the traditional press. While online media has disrupted the traditional media industry, it is important to remember that traditional media still holds an important place in society. Traditional media has a long-standing reputation for providing accurate, trustworthy, and in-depth reporting, and many people still rely on it for their news. In addition, traditional media often has more resources and knowledge to devote to investigative journalism and in-depth reporting than online media. However, online media has many advantages, such as its ability to reach a wider and more diverse audience, its lower cost of entry, and its ability to provide real-time updates and coverage. It has also allowed for new forms of journalism, such as citizen journalism and data journalism. Overall, both traditional and online media have their strengths and weaknesses, and it’s likely that they will continue to coexist and evolve alongside each other.”
DevelopmentAid: What is the link between press freedom and development?
“Undoubtedly, press freedom and development are synonymous, because a free press promotes and sustains societal development. Without fear, journalists can exhaustively report on public-interest concerns such as corruption, human rights breaches, and environmental issues, resulting in social change and economic development. With transparency, accountability, and the space to make that happen, a healthy democracy emerges. A free press can put pressure on governments and relevant authorities to reform or to take action. Press freedom fosters an informed society by providing access to varied opinions, allowing citizens to debate healthily, participate in civic engagements, and to make informed decisions about socio-political matters. A free press also contributes to the development of a dynamic business environment by fostering transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, which increase innovation and entrepreneurship.”
“Press freedom and development are closely linked, and a free and independent press is an essential part of any democratic society. A free press plays a crucial role in holding those in power accountable, exposing corruption and the abuse of power, and promoting transparency and good governance. It also helps to inform the public and help with debates on important issues which can lead to more informed decision-making and better policies. In addition, press freedom is closely tied to other fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of expression and freedom of information. These freedoms are essential for promoting innovation, creativity, and social progress. Studies have shown that countries with a free and independent press have higher levels of social, economic, and political development.”
DevelopmentAid: What actions should be taken by the international community to protect and improve the press freedom index?
“By supporting press freedom, the international community helps to protect and raise the index of press freedom. Through strategic campaigns and active representation and support for watchdogs, the international community highlights the value of free and fair expression and the protection of journalists. By implementing current laws, investigating incidents of journalist abuse and harassment and providing reliable information, the international community can champion press freedom. Furthermore, they should enhance legal safeguards for journalists and include legislation to ensure freedom to obtain information and protect their sources. Finally, international stakeholders can use public education initiatives and media literacy programmes to improve public understanding of the value of a free press and the role of journalists in holding authorities responsible.”
“There are several actions that the international community can take to protect and improve the press freedom index: Governments, civil society organizations, and individuals can speak out in support of press freedom and advocate for the protection of journalists and media outlets. This can include raising awareness about the importance of a free and independent press and calling out governments and other actors who seek to undermine it; Governments can enact laws and policies that protect press freedom and make sure journalists can do their work without fear of harassment, violence, or legal action. This could include laws protecting journalists’ sources and whistleblowers, and laws that prohibit censorship or restrictions on the media; the international community can provide funding and other resources to support independent media outlets, particularly in countries where press freedom is under threat. This can include funding for investigative journalism, training for journalists, and support for media development organizations; the international community can publicly condemn attacks on journalists and media outlets, and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. This can include imposing sanctions or other diplomatic measures against governments or individuals who engage in or condone violence against journalists, and International organizations and NGOs can track and report on press freedom violations around the world, and use this information to hold governments and other actors accountable. This could include producing annual reports and indexes, providing legal and other support to journalists under threat, and advocating for policy changes that protect press freedom.”
See also: Experts’ Opinions| Press Freedom on the decline. Reasons and solutions.
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