Our weekly round-up of public service media related stories and headlines from around the world
Public media is in peril and facing many challenges. Social media platforms are presenting an existential crisis to public service media. Governments are trying to extend their control and influence on the editorial output of the broadcasters. Funding systems for many are up in the air. Journalists are facing threats, attacks and harassment, both online and in-person. But it’s also an exciting time for public service media – digital platforms provide new opportunities to reach audiences, technology means public broadcasters can be innovative in how they provide a public service.
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What we're watching...
Senegalese Journalists Seek Safety, Training Ahead of Vote
VOA: As Senegal gears up for elections in February, some reporters are turning away from coverage, citing attacks and threats.
What we're listening to...
Maria Ressa on Fighting for the Safety of Journalists
LitHub: Nobel Peace Prize-winner Maria Ressa has spent the past decade advocating for the protection of journalists. In light of the paperback release of How to Stand Up to a Dictator, we return to our urgent conversation with the trailblazing author and activist.
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ALGERIA: Algerian prosecutor requests one-year sentence for journalist Mustapha Bendjama
CPJ: Algerian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release journalist Mustapha Bendjama and drop all charges against him, the Committee to Protect Journalists said on Wednesday.
ANGOLA: Media Ministry supports modernisation of TV Zimbo
Angola Press Agency: The Minister of Telecommunications, Information Technology and Mass Media, Mário Oliveira, on Thursday in the Province of Luanda expressed continued support for the modernisation and organisation of TV ZIMBO television station.
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: DR Congo’s Democracy Backsliding Ahead of Vote, Rights Groups Say
VOA: DR Congo’s democracy has been backsliding ahead of elections this month, according to rights defenders, as prominent journalists languish in prison and the murder of an opposition politician remains unsolved.
GHANA: GBC ready to partner with stakeholders to promote local sports
GBC: The Africa Basketball Festival came to a close in style with the Basketball, Music, and Fashion Edition on Sunday, December 17, 2023. The much-anticipated event lived up to expectations. Sports fans, especially basketball fans, were hyped for this experience.
GUINEA: Guinea censors TV, radio and social media, RSF wants answers
RSF: After blocking access to social media and jamming several radio stations for several weeks, the Guinean authorities have suspended the broadcasting of three TV channels without warning on “national security” grounds.
MOZAMBIQUE: CPJ calls for a thorough investigation into killing of Mozambican journalist João Chamusse
CPJ: The Committee to Protect Journalists calls for authorities in Mozambique to thoroughly investigate the killing of journalist João Chamusse outside his home his home in KaTembe, in the province of Maputo, on Thursday.
NIGERIA: Bulama seeks review of FRCN’s 2024 capital allocation
FRCN: Dr Mohammed Bulama, Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), has appealed to the House of Representatives to reassess the corporation’s 2024 capital allocation, urging an increase from N200 million to N4 billion.
NIGERIA: Tinubu meets newspaper proprietors, promises press freedom, others
The Guardian Nigeria: President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, declared that his administration is poised to uphold media freedom and respect opinions, whether adversarial or complimentary to the current government.
SENEGAL: MFWA collaborates with IPI to produce legal resource on Senegal
MFWA: The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has partnered with the International Press Institute (IPI) to produce a resource tool kit on the legal and regulatory frameworks governing the media in Senegal.
SENEGAL: Senegalese Journalists Seek Safety, Training Ahead of Vote (WATCH)
VOA: As Senegal gears up for elections in February, some reporters are turning away from coverage, citing attacks and threats.
SOUTH AFRICA: SABC investigation uncovers fraudulent contracts and ghost workers
The Citizen: The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) group executive for news and current affairs, Moshoeshoe Monare, has launched an investigation after some freelance contracts were found to be irregular, corrupt and fraudulent.
IPI: Two Zimbabwean media startups promote public participation by training members of marginalized groups as journalists.
REGIONAL: BRICS influence in Africa grows with TV media deals
Semafor: The BRICS economic bloc of countries is aggressively expanding its media presence in Africa through its Moscow-headquartered broadcast network to counter Western narratives in the Global South.
REGIONAL: West African fact-checkers team up to correct falsehoods in coup-prone region
Editor & Publisher: The political landscape in West Africa has been undergoing dramatic changes since 2020, marked by a series of coups that have reshaped governance in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger and Gabon.
AFGHANISTAN: Media rights violations rise as journalists detained and sentenced
IFJ: In another spate of crackdowns on Afghan media workers, journalist Abdul Rahim Mohammadi was reportedly detained by the Taliban’s General Directorate of Intelligence in Kabul on December 4, while on December 10, Radio Nasim manager Sultan Ali Javadi was sentenced to one year in prison in a Taliban court in Nili, Daikundi.
AFGHANISTAN: “Radio Nasim” manager sentenced to one year in prison
IFEX: According to some sources, Sultan Ali Jawadi was found guilty of “propaganda against the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan” and “espionage for foreign countries.”
BANGLADESH: Four journalists killed, 292 tortured in Bangladesh in 11 months: BFUJ
New Age Bangladesh: At least four journalists were killed and 292 more faced attacks, torture and cases in 11 months of the current year, said a report of a faction of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists.
CAMBODIA: Women are almost invisible in Cambodia’s news stories, Unesco report found (Press release)
Unesco: Women are vastly underrepresented in news stories produced by Cambodian media, with an exclusively women presence found only in 5% of all stories.
CHINA: China news outlet closure reflects political sensitivities over Beijing, leadership says
Voice of America: Depending on who is asked, the now-defunct China Project news outlet is either an agent of Beijing, an anti-Chinese media brand, or the victim of a bad business model.
HONG KONG: Hong Kong Trial of Pro-Democracy Publisher Jimmy Lai Begins
VOA: After spending three years in prison, pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai is finally getting his day in court. His trial began in Hong Kong on Monday in a national security case that is widely viewed as politically motivated.
HONG KONG: Stop legal threats and ensure safety of missing journalist
IFEX: “Chinese authorities must immediately disclose journalist Minnie Chan’s whereabouts and ensure her wellbeing,” said Michael Caster, ARTICLE 19’s Asia Digital Programme Manager.
INDIA: A Disney-Reliance India entertainment merger may be beset with antitrust headaches
Reuters: A merger of Walt Disney’s India unit and billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s media business would create an entertainment powerhouse in India, but lawyers say any deal would draw intense antitrust scrutiny and assets would likely need to be shed.
INDIA: India’s long-awaited telecoms bill drops language that would have regulated social media
The Register: India’s government has introduced its Telecommunications Bill – heavily anticipated legislation that will replace laws that were passed before the internet existed and prior to India turning on over a billion mobile phone subscriptions.
INDIA & US: Covert Indian operation seeks to discredit Modi’s critics in the US
Washington Post: Since 2020, an opaque organization calling itself the Disinfo Lab has published lengthy dossiers and social media posts claiming to reveal the personal relationships and funding sources behind U.S.-based critics of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
KAZAKHSTAN: Jailed Kazakh journalist Duman Mukhammedkarim’s pretrial detention extended
Radio Free Europe: Ghalym Nurpeisov, a lawyer for jailed Kazakh journalist Duman Mukhammedkarim, said on December 15 that his client’s pretrial detention was extended by at least one month.
MALAYSIA: Malaysian government requests to remove social media content rise
Borneo Bulletin: Facebook owner Meta and China’s TikTok have restricted a record number of social media posts and accounts in Malaysia in the first six months of this year, data published by the firms showed. This is amid a jump in government requests to remove content.
MALDIVES: IFJ research on levels of Maldivian public trust in media
IFJ: A new report commissioned by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) explores citizen trust in the Maldivian media and key influences on media stability such as social media, politics and misinformation.
MONGOLIA: Editor arrested and website targeted for reporting in the public interest (Press release)
IFJ: Journalist Naran Unurtsetseg, the editor-in-chief of the Mongolian news website Zarig.mn, was arrested on December 4 on charges of contempt of court and spreading false information.
MYANMAR: Two Journalists Arrested in Southern Myanmar
VOA: Myanmar’s military arrested two journalists from a local online news site, the outlet announced Wednesday, marking the junta’s latest crackdown on press freedom since launching a coup almost three years ago.
NEPAL: Asia Internet Coalition asks government to rethink Nepal’s social media policy
The Kathmandu Post: The Asia Internet Coalition recently wrote a letter to Minister for Communication and Information Technology Rekha Sharma and expressed concerns over the recent regulatory developments, namely the Social Media Directive, and potential future moves to ban social media applications.
PAKISTAN: Pakistan media ban on Imran Khan trial raises transparency concerns
Reuters: A Pakistan court has banned media from reporting on proceedings in a closed-door trial of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan on charges of leaking state secrets, raising concerns about transparency ahead of national elections in February.
SOUTH KOREA: CPJ urges South Korea to stop intimidation of Newstapa after raid on editor’s home (Press release)
IFEX: The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on South Korean authorities to cease harassing journalists at the investigative outlet Newstapa after a December 6 raid on the residence of its editor-in-chief Kim Yong Jin over a 2022 report that officials claimed defamed President Yoon Suk Yeol.
SOUTH KOREA: KBS to Overcome Financial Challenges to Emerge as an Outstanding Organization (Press release)
KBS: KBS conducted a critical workshop on 28 November, 2023 to address its financial challenges. The event, attended by President and CEO Park Min along with over 190 executives, served as a platform to discuss challenges and strategies in response to the impending separate collection of licence fees.
TAIWAN: Can Taiwan continue to fight off Chinese disinformation?
The New York Times: Ahead of a presidential election in January, Taiwanese fact checkers and watchdogs say they are ready for Beijing. But they are still worried.
TAIWAN: Statement from the Public Television Foundation (Statement – Chinese)
PTS: In response to the remarks made by the People’s Party’s candidate for the non-district legislator Xu Ruixi about the Public Broadcasting Group at the party’s press conference, our association makes the following statement…
TAIWAN: Taiwan media executives face scrutiny for election bids
Taiwan News: The National Communications Commission (NCC) wants answers from media groups about senior figures in the election, including Kuomintang (KMT) vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong.
RSF: Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls on the candidates to the 13 January 2024 presidential election, and all political parties running for the parliamentary election set on the same day, to commit to reforms that would enhance public trust in the media and help to fight disinformation.
THAILAND: Digital rights in Thailand in ‘free fall’, analysts say
Voice of America: Thailand elected a new leader in 2023, but the country still has a long way to go to improve democratic norms, civil society groups say.
THAILAND: Thai PBS launches Policy Watch, democratic innovation (Press release – Thai)
Thai PBS: Thai PBS launches Policy Watch, democratic innovation “Bridge” Connect policy with the public. Communicate public policy that connects with the public.
AUSTRALIA: ABC finishes 2023 on top of digital live streaming (Press Release)
ABC: ABC continues to be #1 in digital live streaming in GfK survey 8, recording a 26% share of live streaming. The ABC has held the number 1 position since it became a standalone GfK measure in survey 3 earlier this year.
AUSTRALIA: Celebrate strength, resilience, and survival as part of Always Was, Always Will Be this January 26 on NITV and SBS (Press release)
SBS: National Indigenous Television (NITV) and the wider SBS network invite audiences to deepen their understanding of January 26 in 2024 through a curated week of First Nations programming including powerful documentary Her Name is Nanny Nellie.
AUSTRALIA: SBS On Demand caps a record year with the launch of SBS Rewind (Press release)
SBS: In a triumphant finish to a record year for audiences (excluding viewing associated with the 2022 FIFA World Cup™), streaming platform SBS On Demand, the cornerstone of SBS’s ongoing digital transformation, today unveiled the much-anticipated SBS Rewind – a new, personalised end-of-year viewing summary for users, underscoring the network’s continued investment in the audience experience.
AUSTRALIA: Stateline survives as ABC looks elsewhere for budget savings
The West Australian: The ABC’s new digital-first Stateline will launch in late January, the broadcaster has confirmed, putting an end to speculation that the project had been quietly abandoned as part of budget cuts.
AUSTRALIA: Tech giants could be forced to share secret news deals under Australia’s media bargaining code
The Guardian: Tech giants could be forced to hand over sensitive details on how they distribute news on their platforms to Australia’s competition watchdog as part of the federal government’s commitment to leveling the playing field for public interest journalism in the digital age.
FIJI: Furivai elected chair as FMC starts work
FBC: The Fiji Media Council has today announced Agatha Ferei Furivai as its chair. Furivai was the interim chair since the re-launch of the FMC in October
NEW ZEALAND: Futureproofing Pacific broadcasting – transmitter replacement underway (Press release)
RNZ: RNZ has powered down for the last time its 34-year-old shortwave Thompson transmitter, known as “Transmitter 1”, one of two shortwave transmitters that deliver analogue and digital radio broadcasts to the Pacific.
NEW ZEALAND: Independent investigation finds journalistic integrity and editorial independence maintained (Press Release)
Whakaata Māori: Last month, allegations were made about the way in which a complaint about an online Te Ao Māori news article was managed by the Kaihautū (Chief Executive) and senior management. … An independent investigation into the allegations has found there was no political interference or breach of editorial independence.
NEW ZEALAND: RNZ set to avert strike action
Businessdesk: Radio New Zealand looks set to avert strike action after holding positive pay talks with union staff.The public broadcaster is in discussions with about 230 members of the E tū and Public Service Association (PSA) unions over a new pay deal.
NEW ZEALAND: RSF calls on prime minister to reaffirm his government’s commitment to press freedom (Press release)
RSF: In response to the new Deputy Prime Minister’s repeated verbal attacks on the media, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls on New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to reaffirm his government’s support to press freedom.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Journalism in the Pacific is crucial, says PNG minister
RNZ: Papua New Guinea’s Communication Minister Timothy Masiu, a former journalist himself says the job of being a journalist is pivotal…But his government is in the process of trying to rein in its journalists – and the promise of restrictions has raised the ire of the sector throughout this year.
CZECH REPUBLIC: The number one news channel in the country presented a new visual (Press release – Czech)
Czech Television: Czech Television presented the new visual form of the ČT24 news website. It offers viewers and readers a clearer display of articles, brings short topical news and improves thematic specials.
FRANCE: Approval of the 2024 budget (Press release – French)
France TV: France Télévisions adopts a 2024 budget focused on its strategic priorities: digital acceleration, young audiences and proximity
GEORGIA: Announcement of the first channel of Georgia (Press release – Georgian)
GBP: It is known to the public that with the amendments made to the law on broadcasting, the funding model and rules of the broadcaster have changed. It is also known that in 2024 the broadcaster will change the building and move At the new address, this is related to infrastructural and technological change, which, in turn, increases the capital costs of the organization.
GERMANY: Last meeting of the incumbent supervisory board (Press release – German)
Deutschlandradio: The Radio Council of Deutschlandradio unanimously approved the economic plan for 2024 at its meeting on December 14, 2023. The planned income of EUR 275.7 million is offset by expenses of EUR 288.2 million. The difference can be covered as planned from our own resources. According to the assessment of the responsible economic and financial committee of the Radio Council, the plan is drawn up according to the principles of economic efficiency and thrift.
GERMANY: Proportion of female executives in ZDF at a new high (Press release – German)
ZDF: On ZDF, the number of women in management positions is higher than ever before. From 2019 to 2022, their share increased from 40.4 to 43.5 percent.
GERMANY: ZDF on the European Media Freedom Act (Press release – German)
ZDF: ZDF legal advisor Peter Weber welcomes the law as an important step forward in the interests of media freedom: “An independent public broadcaster is a central element for democratic decision-making. However, the justification, different from that formulated in the EMFA, lies in its special socio-political role.”
HUNGARY: Draft Sovereignty Protection Act poses fresh threat to independent media
IPI: Joint statement by media freedom groups raises alarm
IRELAND: Irish media regulator asks public for their input on new online safety rules for social media
Irish Journal: New, legally binding rules for social media platforms to adhere to are being put to the public for their consultation by the Irish media regulator today.
ITALY: Rai Italia expands into the UK and Spain
Broadband TV News: Rai Italia, the international service of the Italian public broadcaster, is to expand broadcasts into the UK and Spain.
POLAND: Constitutional court blocks new Polish government from making changes to public media
Notes from Poland: The Constitutional Tribunal has issued an interim order preventing Poland’s new government from making major changes to public broadcasters. The incoming ruling coalition has promised major reforms of state media, which have been turned into a mouthpiece for the former ruling Law and Justice party.
POLAND: Polish parliament to appeal for public media and court reforms
The Straits Times: Poland’s new parliament will debate on Tuesday two resolutions calling for the restoration of public media impartiality and credibility and for changes in the National Council of the Judiciary (NCJ), its speaker said.
SLOVAKIA: Media freedom groups urge MPs to oppose cuts to RTVS budget
IPI: Move by new Fico government to slash budget for public broadcaster and split media in two are fresh attack on media freedom
SWEDEN: Mr Scherman makes fun of public service (7 December – Swedish)
Aftonbladet: The most important question in the Swedish media debate is how the diversity in the supply should be preserved and, if possible, strengthened.
SWEDEN: This is how Sveriges Radio’s offering is affected in times of austerity (Blog)
Swedish Radio: In a changed media landscape where media consumption looks different and where Sveriges Radio is simultaneously implementing savings, we must have many perspectives in mind when developing the offer for the future, writes Cajsa Lindberg, deputy program director responsible for the offer.
SWEDEN & UK: The BBC establishes itself in Sweden – invests in Swedish productions (Swedish – 7 December)
Dagens Nyheter: The BBC has already established itself in Norway and Denmark. Now the production company, BBC Studios Nordic, is coming to Sweden to produce Swedish content.
REGIONAL: Commission welcomes political agreement on European Media Freedom Act (Press release)
European Commission: The Commission welcomes the political agreement reached today between the European Parliament and the Council on the European Media Freedom Act, proposed by the Commission in September 2022.
REGIONAL: EU negotiators reach deal on media law to curb spying on reporters
POLITICO: The European Media Freedom Act seeks to safeguard the independence of newsrooms and foster media pluralism.
REGIONAL: SPYING ON JOURNALISTS: FRANCE JOINS FORCES WITH SIX EUROPEAN COUNTRIES (Investigation – French)
Disclose: France, Italy, Finland, Greece, Cyprus, Malta and Sweden want to torpedo the first European law to protect the freedom and independence of the media in the EU by actively campaigning to authorise the surveillance of journalists in the name of “national security”, reveal documents obtained by Disclose, in partnership with Investigate Europe and Follow the Money.
REGIONAL: New report exposes infrastructure behind cyberattacks on IPI and Hungarian media
IPI: New evidence uncovered by digital forensic experts supports the conclusion that the cyberattack on IPI in September was carried out in retaliation for our work in support of independent media in Hungary, IPI said today. =
ARGENTINA: Argentina’s new president wants to privatise public media. But will he be able to do it?
RISJ: One of the first promises that Javier Milei made after he was elected President was to privatise Argentina’s state-owned media outlets: Televisión Pública, Radio Nacional and Télam, a news agency.
ARGENTINA: Democracy needs unrestricted respect for the constitution and responsible journalism (Spanish)
FOPEA: In December 1983, the bloodiest dictatorship in the history of our country ended in Argentina.Murders and disappearances of people – among them more than 223 journalists and press workers – the suppression of civil and political liberties, censorship, closure and closure of media outlets, innumerable political and economic crimes and finally a war in 1982 that brought more Deaths and losses were the result of the first democratic government in 1983.
BRAZIL: FENAJ requests the Ministry of Management to include the journalist’s professional registration number in the national ID (Portuguese)
FENAJ: The National Federation of Journalists (FENAJ) sent a letter to the Ministry of Management and Innovation in Public Services requesting the inclusion of the Journalist Professional Registration number in the National Identity Card (CIN).
BRAZIL: MPF forwards representation to the CNJ and CNMP and asks for the adoption of strategies to prevent judicial harassment against journalists (Portuguese)
FENAJ: Document cites the case of journalist Schirlei Alves, prosecuted for having published an article about the conduct of members of the justice system during a hearing
BRAZIL: Secom and EBC install GT to debate public communication (Portuguese)
Agência Brasil: The working group that will debate social participation, define guidelines and propose measures to improve public communication in Brazil was installed this Monday (18) at the Secretariat of Social Communication of the Presidency of the Republic (Secom).
BRAZIL: Unified Salary Campaign: From north to south of the country, journalists will demand appreciation and rights (Portuguese)
FENAJ: “Whoever defends Journalism values Journalists!” With this theme, the National Federation of Journalists (FENAJ) calls on the 31 affiliated Unions and the entire category to engage in the Unified National Salary Campaign for Journalists 2024.
COLOMBIA: Public media system RTVC woke up hacked: “We love Álvaro Uribe,” was read on its X account (Spanish)
RTVC: The discussion about cybersecurity in Colombia is becoming more and more important, because in recent months there have been cases of massive hacks to public and private entities of great importance in the country
GUATEMALA: Guatemalan campaign advocates for journalists under attack
IJNet: Journalist’s Day in Guatemala should be a time of celebration. However, this year has been a day for peaceful protest and for the publication of awareness campaigns about attacks on the press and citizens’ right to know.
GUYANA: Journalist escapes gunfire in Guyana, GPA calls for investigation
CNW: The Guyana Press Association (GPA) has called for a comprehensive investigation into the recent shooting incident aimed at journalist Travis Chase.
GUYANA & VENEZUELA: Sacred Duty (Editorial)
Kaieteur: The media has a duty to call things as they are, as the facts support. Newspaper, radio, television, and cyber audiences can agree or criticise, use for honest purposes, or make what they want out of what is presented.
MEXICO: The Senate approves the closure of Notimex, Mexico’s public news agency
El País: Goodbye to Notimex. Mexico’s public news agency received the coup de grace this Wednesday in the Senate, which approved the disappearance of the federal media outlet with 59 votes in favor and 44 against.
PERU: IRTP and MIDIS signed an important framework agreement that will benefit the most vulnerable populations in the country (Spanish)
IRTP: The executive president of the National Institute of Radio and Television of Peru (IRTP), Ninoska Chandía, signed an inter-institutional cooperation agreement with the Minister of Development and Social Inclusion (MIDIS), Julio Demartini Montes, with the aim of establishing joint actions that would benefit to the most vulnerable population in the country.
KNIGHT CENTER:Latin America and the Caribbean are among the most violent regions in the world, where crimes reach epidemic levels that create severe implications for the security of citizens and for economic and social development. This has also created challenges for journalists and media outlets interested in improving coverage of citizen security issues.
REGIONAL: Predictions for Journalism, 2024: Journalism refuses to die in Latin America (despite everything)
Nieman Lab: In 2022, Latin America was the most dangerous region in the world to practice journalism.
REGIONAL: Time for Regional Media to Up Our Game!
The Voice: Caribbean coverage of the controversy between Guyana and Venezuela again underlines the need for urgent and effective steps to again organize regional journalism and communications training workshops to help regional reporters, journalists and opinion writers to always better undertones regional issues so as to better cover them always.
IRAQ: Lawyers ‘doubtful’ of Kurdish journalist’s wellbeing under Iraqi Kurdish custody
Medya News: Kurdish journalist Suleyman Ahmed, detained by Iraqi Kurdistan’s ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) forces over 50 days ago at the Sêmalka border crossing, remains missing. His lawyer alleges misconduct in the case, asserting that Duhok Security, responsible for his detention, is violating Iraqi laws.
ISRAEL: Where is the outrage over Israel’s killing of journalists in Gaza? (Opinion)
The Washington Post: In mid-September 2018, Jamal Khashoggi’s translator and assistant filed a piece to me. Its title was “Arab Voices Need an International Platform.” With the column, they shared a note from Jamal: Karan, what do you think? I need your help…
ISRAEL & LEBANON: France says ‘light must be shed’ on 13 October strike on journalists in Lebanon
RFI: France wants clarification about a missile strike in southern Lebanon on 13 October that killed a Reuters journalist and injured six others, including two from French news agency AFP.
ISRAEL & PALESTINE: ‘Hugely frustrating’: international media seek to overcome Gaza ban
The Guardian: International journalists covering the Israel-Hamas war are increasingly frustrated by the ban on entering Gaza, leaving them unable to provide comprehensive on-the-ground coverage of the impact of the conflict inside the territory.
ISRAEL & PALESTINE: Journalist casualties in the Israel-Gaza war
CPJ: The Israel-Gaza war has taken a severe toll on journalists since Hamas launched its unprecedented attack against Israel on October 7 and Israel declared war on the militant Palestinian group, launching strikes on the blockaded Gaza Strip.
ISRAEL & PALESTINE: Threats and Attacks against Women Journalists Covering the Conflict
CFWIJ: As the conflict unfolds, women journalists are facing grave dangers, including physical assaults, threats, and even the loss of their lives.
QATAR: Al Jazeera to refer journalist Samer Abudaqa’s killing to ICC
Al Jazeera: The Al Jazeera Media Network says it will refer the killing of its cameraman Samer Abudaqa in Gaza to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
SAUDI ARABIA: Saudi Arabia’s GAMR announces strategic vision for media advancement
Broadcast Pro: GAMR plans to expand the sector’s position regionally and internationally and draw in more investments as part of its Vision 2030 plans.
CANADA: CBC/Radio-Canada releases 2022–2023 Environmental Sustainability Report – CBC/Radio-Canada (Press release – 7 December)
CBC/Radio-Canada: The creation of our first carbon-neutral transmission site and reductions in water and energy consumption were among the highlights of CBC/Radio-Canada’s latest Environmental Sustainability Report.
CANADA: CBC/Radio-Canada welcomes final regulations ensuring compensation to Canadian news organizations – CBC/Radio-Canada (Press release)
CBC/Radio-Canada: CBC/Radio-Canada is pleased that the Government of Canada has released the final regulations to support the implementation of the Online News Act. These regulations will help ensure that Canadian news organizations receive compensation for the journalism they produce.
CANADA: Ottawa caps CBC’s share of Google funds under Online News Act at $7-million
The Globe and Mail: Ottawa is capping CBC’s share of the funds the news industry will gain under the Online News Act at $7-million, with other broadcasters getting no more than $30-million of the $100-million Google will inject into Canada’s news industry each year.
CANADA: Radio-Canada and France Télévisions renew their partnership for the benefit of French-language productions (Press release – French)
Radio-Canada: Radio-Canada and France Télévisions are proud to announce the renewal of their partnership, signed in 2019, under which some of our best drama productions will be offered on France Télévisions’ digital platform while many high-quality French productions will enrich ICI TOU’s offering. EXTRA TV.
CANADA: TVO endorses proposals to further bolster Canadian and Indigenous content | TVO Media Education Group (Press release)
TVO: TVO Media Education Group (TVO) provided consultation at the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) public hearing on December 6. TVO addressed the development of a regulatory framework regarding contributions to support Canadian and Indigenous content.
US: An open letter to the incoming CEO of NPR
Nieman Lab: Every story that lives only in a newscast or feature spot is a story that never finds an audience beyond who was listening at that moment.
US: CPB faces scrutiny from Ted Cruz over diversity policy (Paywall)
Current: Sen. Cruz questioned whether a CPB policy violates the 14th Amendment in light of a Supreme Court decision on affirmative action.
US: New York Times Staffers Form Journalistic ‘Independence Caucus’ Amid Concerns Over Union’s Actions
The Wall Street Journal: Times journalists have been at odds with NewsGuild over its involvement in issues ranging from the Israel-Hamas conflict to the outlet’s transgender coverage.
US: NPR unifies mobile app experience for listeners, sunsets NPR One app (Press release)
NPR: The new NPR app is now your one-stop mobile app destination for the best of public radio. It brings together the best features from our previous mobile app experiences – NPR One and the previous NPR app – offering audiences news updates, stories, interviews, podcasts, live radio, headlines and more in one place.
US: Washington Post staffers walk out in biggest labor protest in 48 years (Paywall – 7 December)
The Washington Post: The workers say they will cease work for 24 hours to protest deadlocked contract negotiations and the terms of a buyout offer. Management says it will keep the daily news report going.
US & RUSSIA: Journalists in Trouble: Russian Authorities Bring New Charge Against Alsu Kurmasheva
RFE/RL: Russian investigators have reportedly filed another case against RFE/RL journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, who has already been held in Russian custody since October 18 on false “foreign agent” charges. On December 12, Russian media reported that Alsu faces new charges under Article 207.3 of the Russian Criminal Code, which effectively criminalizes reporting about Russia’s war on Ukraine.
20 findings from the Reuters Institute’s research in 2023 still relevant in 2024
RISJ: From trust in news and social media to AI and changing newsrooms, our research have covered key issues in the past 12 months
Advice for covering elections in the age of social media
IJNet: Social media is increasingly central to how people understand and engage with elections. This has some positive impacts, such as improving voter participation, especially among young people and marginalized communities. It has also increased campaign transparency, as social media enables real-time updates that allow journalists to better monitor election campaigns.
How do I spot a deepfake? (7 December)
DW: In the past year one phenomenon that has been recurring is media spoofing, i.e. when someone creates a fake account of a media outlet, using their name in order to fool people and maybe even spread disinformation.
How to investigate messaging apps and social media for electoral disinformation
IJNet: Amid the rise of electoral mis- and disinformation alongside them, especially on social media platforms and messaging apps such as Facebook, TikTok, WhatsApp and Telegram, investigating the source of the false content and who’s funding it, is an important, challenging task.
Microsoft’s AI Chatbot replies to election questions with conspiracies, fake scandals and lies
Wired: Research shared exclusively with WIRED shows that Copilot, Microsoft’s AI chatbot, often responds to questions about elections with lies and conspiracy theories.
Nieman Lab: Predictions for Journalism, 2024
Nieman Lab: Each year, we ask some of the smartest people in journalism and media what they think is coming in the next 12 months. At the end of a trying 2023, here’s what they had to say.
Predictions for journalism 2024: social media platforms and strategies
Journalism.co.uk: 2023 has been a year marked by turbulence on social media platforms: Facebook severed ties with the news industry and its parent company Meta launched Threads, a clone of Twitter (rebranded to X) which, under Elon Musk’s ownership, has gone through many controversial changes.
Q&A: Alexa Koenig on the potential and pitfalls of open source investigations
CJR: On October 17, the parking lot outside Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, where hundreds of displaced Palestinians had amassed, was hit by an explosive of uncertain origin.
The Outlook: How can media outlets work with their community to develop useful news products? (Newsletter)
IPI: IPI recently spoke to founders of two media outlets which aim to provide reliable news for residents of remote regions: Tribal News Network in Pakistan and Community Podium in Zimbabwe.
MX3: While weekly use of Facebook has more or less held steady over the past five years, there has been a marked increase in those using networks like Messenger, Instagram, and yes – WhatsApp.
UDHR75: States must urgently recommit to protecting freedom of the press and journalists’ safety
IPI: As UN member states gather in Geneva this week to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the IPI global network calls on states and the international community to take urgent and concrete action to protect freedom of the press and journalists’ safety
What to know about generative AI and its effects on disinformation
IJNet: Since ChatGPT was released to the public in November 2022, generative artificial intelligence (AI) has dominated the public’s attention.
CJR: The year (nearly) just gone was a consequential one for the world, and thus for the media, and thus for us here at CJR.
ALGERIA: Algerian prosecutor requests one-year sentence for journalist Mustapha Bendjama
CPJ: Algerian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release journalist Mustapha Bendjama and drop all charges against him, the Committee to Protect Journalists said on Wednesday.
ANGOLA: Media Ministry supports modernisation of TV Zimbo
Angola Press Agency: The Minister of Telecommunications, Information Technology and Mass Media, Mário Oliveira, on Thursday in the Province of Luanda expressed continued support for the modernisation and organisation of TV ZIMBO television station.
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: DR Congo’s Democracy Backsliding Ahead of Vote, Rights Groups Say
VOA: DR Congo’s democracy has been backsliding ahead of elections this month, according to rights defenders, as prominent journalists languish in prison and the murder of an opposition politician remains unsolved.
GHANA: GBC ready to partner with stakeholders to promote local sports
GBC: The Africa Basketball Festival came to a close in style with the Basketball, Music, and Fashion Edition on Sunday, December 17, 2023. The much-anticipated event lived up to expectations. Sports fans, especially basketball fans, were hyped for this experience.
GUINEA: Guinea censors TV, radio and social media, RSF wants answers
RSF: After blocking access to social media and jamming several radio stations for several weeks, the Guinean authorities have suspended the broadcasting of three TV channels without warning on “national security” grounds.
MOZAMBIQUE: CPJ calls for a thorough investigation into killing of Mozambican journalist João Chamusse
CPJ: The Committee to Protect Journalists calls for authorities in Mozambique to thoroughly investigate the killing of journalist João Chamusse outside his home his home in KaTembe, in the province of Maputo, on Thursday.
NIGERIA: Bulama seeks review of FRCN’s 2024 capital allocation
FRCN: Dr Mohammed Bulama, Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), has appealed to the House of Representatives to reassess the corporation’s 2024 capital allocation, urging an increase from N200 million to N4 billion.
NIGERIA: Tinubu meets newspaper proprietors, promises press freedom, others
The Guardian Nigeria: President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, declared that his administration is poised to uphold media freedom and respect opinions, whether adversarial or complimentary to the current government.
SENEGAL: MFWA collaborates with IPI to produce legal resource on Senegal
MFWA: The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has partnered with the International Press Institute (IPI) to produce a resource tool kit on the legal and regulatory frameworks governing the media in Senegal.
SENEGAL: Senegalese Journalists Seek Safety, Training Ahead of Vote (WATCH)
VOA: As Senegal gears up for elections in February, some reporters are turning away from coverage, citing attacks and threats.
SOUTH AFRICA: SABC investigation uncovers fraudulent contracts and ghost workers
The Citizen: The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) group executive for news and current affairs, Moshoeshoe Monare, has launched an investigation after some freelance contracts were found to be irregular, corrupt and fraudulent.
IPI: Two Zimbabwean media startups promote public participation by training members of marginalized groups as journalists.
REGIONAL: BRICS influence in Africa grows with TV media deals
Semafor: The BRICS economic bloc of countries is aggressively expanding its media presence in Africa through its Moscow-headquartered broadcast network to counter Western narratives in the Global South.
REGIONAL: West African fact-checkers team up to correct falsehoods in coup-prone region
Editor & Publisher: The political landscape in West Africa has been undergoing dramatic changes since 2020, marked by a series of coups that have reshaped governance in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger and Gabon.
AFGHANISTAN: Media rights violations rise as journalists detained and sentenced
IFJ: In another spate of crackdowns on Afghan media workers, journalist Abdul Rahim Mohammadi was reportedly detained by the Taliban’s General Directorate of Intelligence in Kabul on December 4, while on December 10, Radio Nasim manager Sultan Ali Javadi was sentenced to one year in prison in a Taliban court in Nili, Daikundi.
AFGHANISTAN: “Radio Nasim” manager sentenced to one year in prison
IFEX: According to some sources, Sultan Ali Jawadi was found guilty of “propaganda against the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan” and “espionage for foreign countries.”
BANGLADESH: Four journalists killed, 292 tortured in Bangladesh in 11 months: BFUJ
New Age Bangladesh: At least four journalists were killed and 292 more faced attacks, torture and cases in 11 months of the current year, said a report of a faction of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists.
CAMBODIA: Women are almost invisible in Cambodia’s news stories, Unesco report found (Press release)
Unesco: Women are vastly underrepresented in news stories produced by Cambodian media, with an exclusively women presence found only in 5% of all stories.
CHINA: China news outlet closure reflects political sensitivities over Beijing, leadership says
Voice of America: Depending on who is asked, the now-defunct China Project news outlet is either an agent of Beijing, an anti-Chinese media brand, or the victim of a bad business model.
HONG KONG: Hong Kong Trial of Pro-Democracy Publisher Jimmy Lai Begins
VOA: After spending three years in prison, pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai is finally getting his day in court. His trial began in Hong Kong on Monday in a national security case that is widely viewed as politically motivated.
HONG KONG: Stop legal threats and ensure safety of missing journalist
IFEX: “Chinese authorities must immediately disclose journalist Minnie Chan’s whereabouts and ensure her wellbeing,” said Michael Caster, ARTICLE 19’s Asia Digital Programme Manager.
INDIA: A Disney-Reliance India entertainment merger may be beset with antitrust headaches
Reuters: A merger of Walt Disney’s India unit and billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s media business would create an entertainment powerhouse in India, but lawyers say any deal would draw intense antitrust scrutiny and assets would likely need to be shed.
INDIA: India’s long-awaited telecoms bill drops language that would have regulated social media
The Register: India’s government has introduced its Telecommunications Bill – heavily anticipated legislation that will replace laws that were passed before the internet existed and prior to India turning on over a billion mobile phone subscriptions.
INDIA & US: Covert Indian operation seeks to discredit Modi’s critics in the US
Washington Post: Since 2020, an opaque organization calling itself the Disinfo Lab has published lengthy dossiers and social media posts claiming to reveal the personal relationships and funding sources behind U.S.-based critics of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
KAZAKHSTAN: Jailed Kazakh journalist Duman Mukhammedkarim’s pretrial detention extended
Radio Free Europe: Ghalym Nurpeisov, a lawyer for jailed Kazakh journalist Duman Mukhammedkarim, said on December 15 that his client’s pretrial detention was extended by at least one month.
MALAYSIA: Malaysian government requests to remove social media content rise
Borneo Bulletin: Facebook owner Meta and China’s TikTok have restricted a record number of social media posts and accounts in Malaysia in the first six months of this year, data published by the firms showed. This is amid a jump in government requests to remove content.
MALDIVES: IFJ research on levels of Maldivian public trust in media
IFJ: A new report commissioned by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) explores citizen trust in the Maldivian media and key influences on media stability such as social media, politics and misinformation.
MONGOLIA: Editor arrested and website targeted for reporting in the public interest (Press release)
IFJ: Journalist Naran Unurtsetseg, the editor-in-chief of the Mongolian news website Zarig.mn, was arrested on December 4 on charges of contempt of court and spreading false information.
MYANMAR: Two Journalists Arrested in Southern Myanmar
VOA: Myanmar’s military arrested two journalists from a local online news site, the outlet announced Wednesday, marking the junta’s latest crackdown on press freedom since launching a coup almost three years ago.
NEPAL: Asia Internet Coalition asks government to rethink Nepal’s social media policy
The Kathmandu Post: The Asia Internet Coalition recently wrote a letter to Minister for Communication and Information Technology Rekha Sharma and expressed concerns over the recent regulatory developments, namely the Social Media Directive, and potential future moves to ban social media applications.
PAKISTAN: Pakistan media ban on Imran Khan trial raises transparency concerns
Reuters: A Pakistan court has banned media from reporting on proceedings in a closed-door trial of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan on charges of leaking state secrets, raising concerns about transparency ahead of national elections in February.
SOUTH KOREA: CPJ urges South Korea to stop intimidation of Newstapa after raid on editor’s home (Press release)
IFEX: The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on South Korean authorities to cease harassing journalists at the investigative outlet Newstapa after a December 6 raid on the residence of its editor-in-chief Kim Yong Jin over a 2022 report that officials claimed defamed President Yoon Suk Yeol.
SOUTH KOREA: KBS to Overcome Financial Challenges to Emerge as an Outstanding Organization (Press release)
KBS: KBS conducted a critical workshop on 28 November, 2023 to address its financial challenges. The event, attended by President and CEO Park Min along with over 190 executives, served as a platform to discuss challenges and strategies in response to the impending separate collection of licence fees.
TAIWAN: Can Taiwan continue to fight off Chinese disinformation?
The New York Times: Ahead of a presidential election in January, Taiwanese fact checkers and watchdogs say they are ready for Beijing. But they are still worried.
TAIWAN: Statement from the Public Television Foundation (Statement – Chinese)
PTS: In response to the remarks made by the People’s Party’s candidate for the non-district legislator Xu Ruixi about the Public Broadcasting Group at the party’s press conference, our association makes the following statement…
TAIWAN: Taiwan media executives face scrutiny for election bids
Taiwan News: The National Communications Commission (NCC) wants answers from media groups about senior figures in the election, including Kuomintang (KMT) vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong.
RSF: Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls on the candidates to the 13 January 2024 presidential election, and all political parties running for the parliamentary election set on the same day, to commit to reforms that would enhance public trust in the media and help to fight disinformation.
THAILAND: Digital rights in Thailand in ‘free fall’, analysts say
Voice of America: Thailand elected a new leader in 2023, but the country still has a long way to go to improve democratic norms, civil society groups say.
THAILAND: Thai PBS launches Policy Watch, democratic innovation (Press release – Thai)
Thai PBS: Thai PBS launches Policy Watch, democratic innovation “Bridge” Connect policy with the public. Communicate public policy that connects with the public.
AUSTRALIA: ABC finishes 2023 on top of digital live streaming (Press Release)
ABC: ABC continues to be #1 in digital live streaming in GfK survey 8, recording a 26% share of live streaming. The ABC has held the number 1 position since it became a standalone GfK measure in survey 3 earlier this year.
AUSTRALIA: Celebrate strength, resilience, and survival as part of Always Was, Always Will Be this January 26 on NITV and SBS (Press release)
SBS: National Indigenous Television (NITV) and the wider SBS network invite audiences to deepen their understanding of January 26 in 2024 through a curated week of First Nations programming including powerful documentary Her Name is Nanny Nellie.
AUSTRALIA: SBS On Demand caps a record year with the launch of SBS Rewind (Press release)
SBS: In a triumphant finish to a record year for audiences (excluding viewing associated with the 2022 FIFA World Cup™), streaming platform SBS On Demand, the cornerstone of SBS’s ongoing digital transformation, today unveiled the much-anticipated SBS Rewind – a new, personalised end-of-year viewing summary for users, underscoring the network’s continued investment in the audience experience.
AUSTRALIA: Stateline survives as ABC looks elsewhere for budget savings
The West Australian: The ABC’s new digital-first Stateline will launch in late January, the broadcaster has confirmed, putting an end to speculation that the project had been quietly abandoned as part of budget cuts.
AUSTRALIA: Tech giants could be forced to share secret news deals under Australia’s media bargaining code
The Guardian: Tech giants could be forced to hand over sensitive details on how they distribute news on their platforms to Australia’s competition watchdog as part of the federal government’s commitment to leveling the playing field for public interest journalism in the digital age.
FIJI: Furivai elected chair as FMC starts work
FBC: The Fiji Media Council has today announced Agatha Ferei Furivai as its chair. Furivai was the interim chair since the re-launch of the FMC in October
NEW ZEALAND: Futureproofing Pacific broadcasting – transmitter replacement underway (Press release)
RNZ: RNZ has powered down for the last time its 34-year-old shortwave Thompson transmitter, known as “Transmitter 1”, one of two shortwave transmitters that deliver analogue and digital radio broadcasts to the Pacific.
NEW ZEALAND: Independent investigation finds journalistic integrity and editorial independence maintained (Press Release)
Whakaata Māori: Last month, allegations were made about the way in which a complaint about an online Te Ao Māori news article was managed by the Kaihautū (Chief Executive) and senior management. … An independent investigation into the allegations has found there was no political interference or breach of editorial independence.
NEW ZEALAND: RNZ set to avert strike action
Businessdesk: Radio New Zealand looks set to avert strike action after holding positive pay talks with union staff.The public broadcaster is in discussions with about 230 members of the E tū and Public Service Association (PSA) unions over a new pay deal.
NEW ZEALAND: RSF calls on prime minister to reaffirm his government’s commitment to press freedom (Press release)
RSF: In response to the new Deputy Prime Minister’s repeated verbal attacks on the media, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls on New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to reaffirm his government’s support to press freedom.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Journalism in the Pacific is crucial, says PNG minister
RNZ: Papua New Guinea’s Communication Minister Timothy Masiu, a former journalist himself says the job of being a journalist is pivotal…But his government is in the process of trying to rein in its journalists – and the promise of restrictions has raised the ire of the sector throughout this year.
CZECH REPUBLIC: The number one news channel in the country presented a new visual (Press release – Czech)
Czech Television: Czech Television presented the new visual form of the ČT24 news website. It offers viewers and readers a clearer display of articles, brings short topical news and improves thematic specials.
FRANCE: Approval of the 2024 budget (Press release – French)
France TV: France Télévisions adopts a 2024 budget focused on its strategic priorities: digital acceleration, young audiences and proximity
GEORGIA: Announcement of the first channel of Georgia (Press release – Georgian)
GBP: It is known to the public that with the amendments made to the law on broadcasting, the funding model and rules of the broadcaster have changed. It is also known that in 2024 the broadcaster will change the building and move At the new address, this is related to infrastructural and technological change, which, in turn, increases the capital costs of the organization.
GERMANY: Last meeting of the incumbent supervisory board (Press release – German)
Deutschlandradio: The Radio Council of Deutschlandradio unanimously approved the economic plan for 2024 at its meeting on December 14, 2023. The planned income of EUR 275.7 million is offset by expenses of EUR 288.2 million. The difference can be covered as planned from our own resources. According to the assessment of the responsible economic and financial committee of the Radio Council, the plan is drawn up according to the principles of economic efficiency and thrift.
GERMANY: Proportion of female executives in ZDF at a new high (Press release – German)
ZDF: On ZDF, the number of women in management positions is higher than ever before. From 2019 to 2022, their share increased from 40.4 to 43.5 percent.
GERMANY: ZDF on the European Media Freedom Act (Press release – German)
ZDF: ZDF legal advisor Peter Weber welcomes the law as an important step forward in the interests of media freedom: “An independent public broadcaster is a central element for democratic decision-making. However, the justification, different from that formulated in the EMFA, lies in its special socio-political role.”
HUNGARY: Draft Sovereignty Protection Act poses fresh threat to independent media
IPI: Joint statement by media freedom groups raises alarm
IRELAND: Irish media regulator asks public for their input on new online safety rules for social media
Irish Journal: New, legally binding rules for social media platforms to adhere to are being put to the public for their consultation by the Irish media regulator today.
ITALY: Rai Italia expands into the UK and Spain
Broadband TV News: Rai Italia, the international service of the Italian public broadcaster, is to expand broadcasts into the UK and Spain.
POLAND: Constitutional court blocks new Polish government from making changes to public media
Notes from Poland: The Constitutional Tribunal has issued an interim order preventing Poland’s new government from making major changes to public broadcasters. The incoming ruling coalition has promised major reforms of state media, which have been turned into a mouthpiece for the former ruling Law and Justice party.
POLAND: Polish parliament to appeal for public media and court reforms
The Straits Times: Poland’s new parliament will debate on Tuesday two resolutions calling for the restoration of public media impartiality and credibility and for changes in the National Council of the Judiciary (NCJ), its speaker said.
SLOVAKIA: Media freedom groups urge MPs to oppose cuts to RTVS budget
IPI: Move by new Fico government to slash budget for public broadcaster and split media in two are fresh attack on media freedom
SWEDEN: Mr Scherman makes fun of public service (7 December – Swedish)
Aftonbladet: The most important question in the Swedish media debate is how the diversity in the supply should be preserved and, if possible, strengthened.
SWEDEN: This is how Sveriges Radio’s offering is affected in times of austerity (Blog)
Swedish Radio: In a changed media landscape where media consumption looks different and where Sveriges Radio is simultaneously implementing savings, we must have many perspectives in mind when developing the offer for the future, writes Cajsa Lindberg, deputy program director responsible for the offer.
SWEDEN & UK: The BBC establishes itself in Sweden – invests in Swedish productions (Swedish – 7 December)
Dagens Nyheter: The BBC has already established itself in Norway and Denmark. Now the production company, BBC Studios Nordic, is coming to Sweden to produce Swedish content.
REGIONAL: Commission welcomes political agreement on European Media Freedom Act (Press release)
European Commission: The Commission welcomes the political agreement reached today between the European Parliament and the Council on the European Media Freedom Act, proposed by the Commission in September 2022.
REGIONAL: EU negotiators reach deal on media law to curb spying on reporters
POLITICO: The European Media Freedom Act seeks to safeguard the independence of newsrooms and foster media pluralism.
REGIONAL: SPYING ON JOURNALISTS: FRANCE JOINS FORCES WITH SIX EUROPEAN COUNTRIES (Investigation – French)
Disclose: France, Italy, Finland, Greece, Cyprus, Malta and Sweden want to torpedo the first European law to protect the freedom and independence of the media in the EU by actively campaigning to authorise the surveillance of journalists in the name of “national security”, reveal documents obtained by Disclose, in partnership with Investigate Europe and Follow the Money.
REGIONAL: New report exposes infrastructure behind cyberattacks on IPI and Hungarian media
IPI: New evidence uncovered by digital forensic experts supports the conclusion that the cyberattack on IPI in September was carried out in retaliation for our work in support of independent media in Hungary, IPI said today. =
ARGENTINA: The importance of public media to guarantee access to information (Spanish)
Télam: The president of Télam, Bernarda Llorente, affirmed that access to public information is a “human right”, when inaugurating the Casa Defensa, headquarters of the new Documentation and Archive Center of the national news agency.
ARGENTINA: Workers of Radio Nacional of Santiago del Estero against “privatization” (Spanish)
Télam: The employees made an open radio in defense of the public media, in rejection “of the privatization” of that station, which they described as “a link between the communities, cities, towns and places that make up the province.”
CHILE: The last session of the Nonviolent Journalism workshop in Cerrillos, Santiago de Chile
Pressenza: We emphasised the meaning of nonviolent community journalism, which implies the affirmation that changes in an evolutionary direction is possible through, among other things, the visibility of grassroots initiatives that are not usually covered by the mass media.
COLOMBIA & PERU: Colombian and Peruvian news outlets bet on ‘gamification’ to attract young audiences and make an impact
LatAm Journalism Review: “Desencanto” is the most recent of five interactive games that Cuestión Pública has produced since 2020 and with which it has consolidated a proposal for “gamification” of data journalism in the region.
BRAZIL: Using the law as a tool for social change in Brazil
Free Press Unlimited: Journalists worldwide face legal harassment aimed at censoring them. It takes a lot of time, money and knowledge for them to stand up against the powerful and wealthy people who often sue them for uncovering corruption.
GUATEMALA: Guatemalan journalists unite in campaign to highlight attacks and criminalization of the press
LatAm Journalism Review: Journalist’s Day in Guatemala should be a time of celebration. However, this year has been a day for peaceful protest and for the publication of awareness campaigns about attacks on the press and citizens’ right to know.
HAITI: ‘I’ll be killed if they find me’: Radio reporter Maxo Dorvil flees Haiti amid gang violence
CPJ: Haitian radio journalist Maxo Dorvil fled the country on November 7, 2023, after reporting that he was shot at twice in less than two weeks near his home on the outskirts of the capital Port-au-Prince.
MEXICO: In 10 days, 8 Mexican journalists abducted or shot at in 4 separate incidents
CPJ: The Committee to Protect Journalists is alarmed by a spate of violent abductions and attacks on eight journalists in Mexico and calls on authorities to immediately, credibly, and transparently investigate whether the attacks were related to the reporters’ work and bring the culprits to justice.
MEXICO: Two armed attacks against journalists were recorded on the same day (Spanish)
IFJ: Four journalists from different media, who were sharing a vehicle while covering the news of the murder of a transporter, were attacked with gunshots by men on a motorcycle in the city of Chilpancingo de los Bravo, state of Guerrero.
NICARAGUA: Q&A: Cinthia Membreño on the global network helping journalists in exile
Columbia Journalism Review
VENEZUELA: TeleSUR Prepares Multi-platform Coverage of the Consultative Referendum for the Essequibo
TeleSUR: The multiplatform of Latin America and the Caribbean has prepared a multiplatform coverage of the consultative referendum for the Essequibo, to be held on December 3rd.
REGIONAL: Jael Joseph seeks to unite Caribbean people through media
Caribbean Loop News: With her Jael Joseph LIVE interview series, she aims to bring together viewers from around the Caribbean and the Caribbean Diaspora, allowing them to engage and connect with guests from the Region’s various territories.
LatAm Journalism Review: Stigmatization, threats, detentions, and intimidation are some of the attacks faced by journalists when covering an electoral process.
IRAN: Iranian journalist Mohammad Mir-Ghasemzadeh arrested as authorities ramp up legal pressure on media
CPJ: Iranian authorities must immediately release journalist Mohammad Mir-Ghasemzadeh and cease jailing journalists for simply doing their job, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Thursday.
ISRAEL: Communications Minister threatens to sanction ‘Haaretz’ for its Gaza war coverage
IFJ: On 23 November, Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi proposed a government resolution to halt any state advertisement, subscriptions or other commercial connection with the progressive Israeli newspaper ‘Haaretz’ citing “defeatist and false propaganda during wartime”.
LEBANON: Social media, messaging apps and TV: The many pathways of disinformation in Lebanon
IJNet: Whether it be on WhatsApp, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok or news sites, people in Lebanon are increasingly consuming information online. With many ways to stay informed, however, there exists a heightened risk of stumbling across unverified news and false information.
PALESTINE: At least sixty journalists and media workers killed in Gaza
IFJ: At least sixty Palestinian journalists and media workers have been killed, several have been injured and others are missing during the war in Gaza.
PALESTINE: Gazan journalists catapulted to international prominence (French)
Slate.fr : Since the Hamas attack and the Israeli invasion of Gaza, a number of Gazan journalists have been writing about the war on their personal accounts, and have gained unprecedented popularity.
PALESTINE: ICC chief prosecutor meets Palestinian journalists’ leaders in the West Bank
IFJ: The PJS welcomed the ICC investigation into the situation in Palestine but deplored the scant resources and staff for this investigation as compared to others, a factor that has contributed to the slow progress of its investigation of Palestinian complaints.
PALESTINE: IFJ stands with Palestinian journalists in Ramallah
IFJ: The situation on the ground is deeply concerning , but the journalists are holding their heads high and carrying out their mission to inform despite the situation.
TURKEY: Difficult task in suppressed media environment: Media self-regulation in Turkey
Bianet: The IPS Communication Foundation/bianet, among the partners of the “Our Media” project, together with organizations from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, has published a report analyzing ‘media self-regulation.’
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: At the U.N.’s Climate Conference, There are Plenty of Hypocrisies for Journalists to Report On (Report)
NiemanReports: Even the small victories require aggressive reporting and scrutiny
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: COP 28 in the United Arab Emirates: climate of repression for journalists (French)
RSF: The many journalists travelling to Dubai to cover the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, starting on 30 November, face enormous restrictions in a country where the slightest criticism of the government can lead to imprisonment.
Deadline: Canada’s media guild has reacted with shock following the announcement CBC/Radio-Canada will cut approximately 10% of its workforce and bring down its program spend by C$40M ($29.6M) to reduce a major budget shortfall.
CANADA: CBC/Radio-Canada announces programming and job cuts (Press release)
CBC/Radio Canada: CBC/Radio-Canada today announced it will be implementing program and job cuts over the next year in order to manage approximately $125 million in budget pressures forecast for the 2024–2025 fiscal year.
CANADA: CBC/Radio-Canada cuts 800 jobs: interview with CEO Catherine Tait (Watch – French)
CBC/Radio-Canada
CANADA: CBC/Radio-Canada welcomes agreement between the Government of Canada and Google to ensure fair compensation for news content (Press release)
CBC/Radio-Canada: CBC/Radio-Canada is very pleased that the federal government has been able to reach an agreement with Google to support journalism in Canada.
CANADA: Ottawa hints it will take steps to limit how much money CBC could get under Google deal
The Province: The Liberal government is hinting that it will take steps to limit how much money Canada’s publicly funded broadcaster can collect under Ottawa’s new revenue-sharing agreement with Google.
CANADA: The Ombud’s Inbox – November 2023 (Blog)
CBC/Radio-Canada: In the 1980s, a team of researchers reported on a theory they called the Hostile Media Effect.
CANADA: What we know so far about Google’s $100M media fund
CBC News: This week, Google struck an agreement with the federal government that will see the online giant pay $100 million to news outlets across the country.
US: Bipartisan legislation would protect student media from censorship (Listen)
Wisconsin Public Radio: Last month, the Wisconsin Assembly unanimously passed a bill that would protect student-led media from most censorship by school officials.
US: Layoffs hit Lehigh Valley Public Media
Lehigh Valley News: Lehigh Valley Public Media eliminated five positions Friday for a total of nine job cuts in the past three weeks — roughly 12% of its full-time workforce.
US: Maria Martin, radio pioneer and founder of “Latino USA” dies at 72
NBC News: Media pioneer María Martin, the brains behind the public radio program “Latino USA” which elevated coverage of Hispanic issues, has died.
US: Trump has recaptured cable TV’s attention
Columbia Journalism Review: As the 2024 primary season ramps up into full swing, former President Donald Trump is making news both as the frontrunner for the Republican party’s nomination, and due to the trials and indictments he is facing.
Cop28: The Role of Media in Climate Change
CNBC Africa: Media has an outsized role to play in tackling climate change. Consequently, industry leaders are tasked with the all-important role of providing both accurate and engaging information to ensure media platforms are constructively enhancing the policy dialogue and countering the phenomenon of misinformation.
India Today: Elon Musk says that if people want to get honest information, X is their only hope. He also added that other social media apps are “bought and paid for.”
From Puppet to Powerhouse: A Global Study of the Independence of State and Public Media (Study)
Media and Journalism Research Centre: In a world dominated by government-controlled state and public media outlets, the looming specter of a series of intensifying conflicts presents an alarming peril to democratic societies just before a crucial election year, when people will elect their leaders in some 50 nations worldwide.
Generative AI puts trust in the news media to the test
Euractiv: The spread of fake news and disinformation has steadily risen in past years, with audiences increasingly getting their news online, where false information – sometimes generated by AI – spreads faster, threatening audiences’ trust in media.
Here’s how 13 news outlets are using LinkedIn newsletters
Nieman Lab: LinkedIn has been experimenting with newsletters as a way for individuals and companies to connect with readers. There are more than 143,000 newsletters on the platform, with over 500 million subscribers. At least 150 news publishers send newsletters out regularly, said Keren Baruch, LinkedIn’s director of product.
How smarter ad pricing could revitalize podcast revenue
Current: It’s clear that studios are severely undervaluing their podcast audiences.
Media development and artificial intelligence: a call to action
DW Akademie: With the advent of generative AI, the media development sector faces new disruptions of the global information sphere. Experts and partners of DW Akademie see the need for a dedicated joint effort.
Mistakes news organisations make
The Fix: Today let’s look at a few mistakes news organisations often make – and how to think about avoiding them.
Most readers want publishers to label AI-generated articles — but trust outlets less when they do
Nieman Lab: “We already expect quite a lot from the public in terms of media literacy to be able to navigate the contemporary information environment; the use of these technologies in news adds a whole other layer to that.”
Reuters, New York Times Top List of Fossil Fuel Industry’s Favorite Media Partners
Drilled: Taking a hard look at the media industry’s relationship with the fossil fuel industry.
Tips for becoming a better investigative editor
IJnet
Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism: Find a climate angle for something your audiences really care about and 13 more takeaways from the Oxford Climate Journalism Network
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Our weekly round-up of public service…
PSM Weekly | 8 – 15 November 2023
Our weekly round-up of public service…