Interview, Fireside Chat, Panel, Conference Presentation
Press freedom: why you should be worried
The EconomistDaphne Galizia, Avantika Chalkoti, Rana Ayyub, Rebecca Vincent, Matthew, Corinne, Veronika Munk, Sebald Stuhl
- The decline of the Indian media is projected to explain the steep downfall of India as a democracy.
- Press freedom is expected to continue deteriorating globally on a year-by-year basis, including within established democracies.
- Leaders are anticipated to exploit attention on the pandemic to accelerate existing crackdowns or initiate new restrictions.
- Self-censorship driven by financial and reputational risks associated with litigation is predicted to be a primary global challenge to free expression.
- The European Commission is expected to propose a new directive by the end of April 2022 allowing journalists and activists to appeal to courts against strategic lawsuits.
- Strategic lawsuit laws are projected to change to prevent abuse in the interests of plaintiffs.
- The independent operation of the Hungarian media outlet Telex is expected to face ongoing challenges given that nearly 80% of the country's media is government-allied.
- Access to information is anticipated to remain as difficult as previous levels, with concerns regarding future developments.
- Individual journalists are expected to face significant challenges in continuing their work, though a sense of hope persists.
- Reporters are expected to find methods to circumvent government tools, such as technology and physical harassment, serving as a basis for optimism.