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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Europe is to become the world’s largest funder of public-interest journalism
International Journalism Festival: As the next seven-year EU budget (the Multi-annual Financial Framework, or MFF) is being negotiated, Europe is on track to become the largest public-sector supporter of public-interest information ecosystems globally.
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Midterm Madness
NPR: On this week’s On the Media, how political ads are resonating, and misfiring. Plus, a look at the changing relationships between public radio stations and universities after the defunding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
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ALGERIA: Algeria Renews Eutelsat Satellite Deal To Maintain TV Reach Across MENA
Broadcast Media Africa: Télédiffusion d’Algérie (TDA), Algeria’s national broadcasting network operator, has renewed its long-standing capacity agreement with Eutelsat, ensuring Algerian television channels continue to be distributed across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) via the EUTELSAT 7 West A satellite.
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: DRC Media Regulator Threatens Sanctions Against Broadcasters Giving Airtime To FRN
Broadcast Media Africa: The Democratic Republic of Congo’s media regulator has warned broadcasters against giving airtime to the FRN movement, with its president, Christian Bosembe, publicly defending the restriction and ruling out interviews with former president Joseph Kabila.
EGYPT: Egypt’s State Broadcaster Partners With Stock Exchange To Expand Financial News Coverage
Broadcast Media Africa: Egypt’s National Media Authority (NMA) and the Egyptian Exchange have signed a cooperation protocol to strengthen stock market and capital markets coverage across Egyptian Television’s channels, placing financial literacy and economic reporting at the centre of a new partnership.
EGYPT: Sign the petition to free Matsada2sh journalists now
IFJ: Between September 28 and 30, Egyptian security forces arrested six journalists working for Matsada2sh, an Egyptian fact-checking and news verification outlet.
EGYPT: ‘Who’s next?’: Inside Egypt’s unprecedented crackdown on the press
CPJ: The referral of independent outlet Mada Masr’s editor-in-chief Lina Attalah to trial, alongside the recent detention of an entire newsroom and the targeting of independent journalists, signals an escalating campaign to silence Egypt’s remaining independent media.
GABON: Gabon restores access to social media after eight-month ban
GBC Ghana Online: In a major reversal, Gabon has restored public access to social media platforms after imposing an eight-month blackout that drew sharp domestic and international criticism.
GABON: Gabon: Since when has informing become synonymous with supporting? (Opinion – French)
GMT: In Gabon, one problematic trend deserves examination: the assumption that a media outlet necessarily supports a political figure simply by reporting their statements. In a public sphere where partisan convictions sometimes override factual analysis, this confusion raises a fundamental question: do we want media that informs us or media that reinforces our existing opinions?
KENYA: Kenyan MPs reject changes on broadcasting election results — Nation Kenya
UA.News: Kenya’s National Assembly has rejected changes to electoral legislation that provided for a mechanism to livestream presidential results as they are counted and announced in electoral constituencies.
KENYA: Media as the fourth arm of government (Opinion)
The MT Kenya Times: Without a free press, democracy is a performance. Citizens applaud leaders they cannot scrutinise, vote on information they cannot verify and trust institutions they cannot question. That is why the media’s role as the fourth arm of government is not a courtesy title — it is a constitutional necessity.
LIBYA: RSF condemns abduction of journalist threatened with death for investigating corruption
RSF: Reporters Without Borders (RSF) strongly condemns the abduction and abuse suffered by Hassan Bakir. The journalist for the Libyan News Agency (LANA), abducted on 20 October in northwestern Libya, was tortured, interrogated, and threatened with death if he did not stop his investigations into corruption, before being abandoned on the motorway.
MALAWI: MISA demands action over assault of journalists
Malawi24: Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi has called on police and the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to take action following the assault of three journalists allegedly by suspected DPP supporters in Blantyre on Sunday.
MOROCCO: Morocco Allocates MAD 2 Billion to Media Sector in 2027 Budget
Morocco World News: Morocco’s draft Finance Bill for 2027 earmarks nearly MAD 1.8 billion ($183 million) to support public audiovisual services and MAD 247 million ($25.1 million) for press institutions, as the government seeks to modernize the media sector, strengthen professional journalism, and improve the quality of content available to the public.
MOZAMBIQUE: Chapo appoints Rogério Sitoe and Manuel Veterano to Higher Mass Media Council
Club of Mozambique: President of the Republic Daniel Chapo has appointed, through separate Presidential Orders, Rogério Sitoe and Manuel Veterano as members of the Higher Mass Media Council (CSCS).
CediRates: Two of global business’s most prominent figures are directing vast capital into the media and broadcasting industry.
SEYCHELLES: 10th SABA convention in Seychelles brings African broadcasters together on AI and future of media
Seychelles News Agency: African broadcasters are meeting in Seychelles to discuss how artificial intelligence and cloud technology can improve their services while preserving public trust, human judgement and authentic African storytelling.
SOUTH AFRICA: SABC’s US$109.6 Million Sentech Debt Raises Risk of Broadcast Signal Disruption
Broadcast Media Africa: South Africa’s public broadcaster, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), now owes state-owned signal distributor Sentech R1.8 billion (approximately US$109.6 million), according to Sentech chief executive Tebogo Leshope’s parliamentary briefing.
SOUTH AFRICA: The danger of ‘horse race’ journalism during an election year
The Media Online: Every election year, newsrooms face a familiar democratic challenge: how to report an intensely competitive political contest without reducing it to a spectacle of frontrunners, fading contenders, winners, losers and shifting party fortunes.
SUDAN: Journalists, politicians face death penalty under Sudan legal amendment, activists warn
The New Arab: A recent amendment to Sudan’s 1991 criminal code could mean that journalists and politicians could now face the death penalty for online posts, rights groups and activists have warned.
TANZANIA: Tanzanian invests 5.69bn/-in construction of 7 towers, upgrading 5 community radio studios
Daily News: THE Tanzanian government has invested a total 5.696bn/- in constructing seven communication towers and upgrading five community radio studios to expand access to information, particularly in underserved communities.
TUNISIA: IFJ passes solidarity motion with imprisoned journalists
IFJ: At its online meeting on 19 and 20 October 2026, the Executive Committee of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) unanimously adopted a motion to express solidarity with imprisoned journalists in Tunisia, notably Zied El-Heni, Mourad Zeghidi, Borhen Bsaies and Mohamed Yousfi, and urge the Tunisian authorities to immediately release them.
AFGHANISTAN: Mozhda TV goes on air as first Afghan Christian TV channel in historic launch
Christian Daily: Mozhda TV, which its founders describe as the first Afghan Christian television channel, began broadcasting Saturday, Oct. 24, as church leaders, mission partners and Afghan believers gathered to mark its launch.
HONG KONG: Hong Kong to tighten media access to land records, triggering concerns
South China Morning Post: Some legislators also urge government to explain details and streamline applications to support investigative reporting
INDIA: Prasar Bharati is not a public service broadcaster (Opinion)
The Hindu: Prasar Bharati remains a pretender – 12 years after a promise of BBC-style autonomy, the corporation is still on a ministerial leash.
INDIA: Why 21 Indian News Publishers Are Challenging Central Government’s Privacy Law
Times Now: 21 Indian news publishers, including Ambani and Adani-owned media groups, have challenged India’s data privacy law in the Supreme Court, citing concerns over press freedom, investigative journalism and the protection of confidential sources.
JAPAN: NHK Super Hi-Vision Cameras go up into Space with Martian Moons eXploration (MMX)
NHK: NHK’s Super Hi-Vision cameras, comprising an 8K camera and a 4K camera jointly developed with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), were installed on the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) spacecraft, which was successfully launched aboard the 10th H3 rocket from JAXA’s Tanegashima Space Center on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
PHILIPPINES: Cyberlibel cases vs GMA 7, Philip Lustre attack press freedom – Ridon
Daily Tribune: The recent cyberlibel cases filed against media personalities from GMA Network and veteran journalist Philip Lustre Jr. display a clear attack on press freedom in the Philippines, public prosecutor Rep. Terry Ridon said Monday.
SOUTH KOREA: Building Media Literacy Through Exhibitions and Theater… Media Literacy Week Opens Oct. 23
The Asia Business Daily: Alongside the experiential events, related programs exploring media literacy and the future of journalism will run for three weeks. On October 23, the National Media Education Conference will be held at the Korea Press Center under the theme “Asking How to Educate the Digital-Native Generation About Media.”
SOUTH KOREA: KBS Successfully Concludes 2026 PBI Seoul Conference, Highlighting Global Solidarity and the Power of Culture
KBS: KBS, Korea’s leading public broadcaster, successfully hosted the 2026 Public Broadcasters International (PBI) Seoul Conference from 14 to 16 October.
SOUTH KOREA: KCA launches K-radio platform to revive South Korea’s data-driven radio ads
Chosun Biz: Korea Communications Agency (KCA) will unveil a test version (prototype) of the K-radio unified platform on Nov. 11, with five broadcasters participating: KBS, MBC, SBS, EBS, and CBS.
SOUTH KOREA: KMCC Chairman Kim Jong-cheol: “Strengthening ‘Digital Democracy’ in Public Sphere… Discussing International Joint Response Platform on Youth Media Exposure” (Interview)
SBS news
THAILAND: PP pushes reforms to Thai PBS funding (Paywall)
Bangkok Post: The main opposition People’s Party (PP) will propose amendments to public broadcasting law alongside a bill introduced by the ruling Bhumjaithai Party (BJT), seeking to protect Thai PBS’’s editorial independence while strengthening accountability.
THAILAND: Thai PBS briefed the House Committee on Political Development, emphasizing that revenue structure is crucial to the independence of public media. (Press release – Thai)
Thai PBS: On October 22, 2026, at 9:30 AM, the Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS), led by Director Wanchai Tantivithyapithak and the management team, provided clarification to the Committee on Political Development, Mass Media, and Public Participation, chaired by Ms. Pakamon Nunanan, a Member of Parliament from the People’s Party, regarding the study of the revenue structure in the case of proposed amendments to the Public Broadcasting Service of Thailand Act B.E. 2551 (2008).
VIETNAM: The effectiveness of radio broadcasting in border areas.
Vietnam.vn: Recently, the “Radio Broadcasting in Remote Villages” model, which delivers useful information to villages and hamlets, has been implemented by the Border Guard of Quang Tri province in mountainous and border communes.
AUSTRALIA: ABC Emergency Broadcasting: Summer 2026-27 (Press release)
ABC: With an increasing number of extreme weather events occurring across Australia, and many parts of the country again facing an elevated fire threat in the 2026-27 summer, ABC Emergency Broadcasting and other ABC teams are ready to provide timely and comprehensive information to communities.
AUSTRALIA: Community media is part of Australia’s democratic infrastructure: Tom Mooney, CBAA Conference 2026
Radio Info Australia
AUSTRALIA: The ABC’s internal politics can be toxic. But protecting Australia’s democracy is worth the pain
The Guardian: Some of its former executives (in my amateur opinion) have PTSD. And yet our public broadcaster remains a major cultural asset, making Australia resilient and livable
NEW ZEALAND: Rollout of new radio system for all emergency services continues
RNZ: “World best”, “game changer”: Some of what’s being said about the new communications system being built for police, ambulance and fire frontliners.
NEW ZEALAND: Tracking social media’s role in NZ elections (Listen)
RNZ: Social media bans for under 16s have seen cross-party support this election. But while most parties are wary of it – social media has also become a crucial pillar in campaigning.
SOLOMON ISLANDS: Strengthening newsrooms in Solomon Islands
BBC Media Action: The way audiences in Solomon Islands, and the wider Pacific region, get their news is changing fast. Traditional media is under economic strain. Print and radio are losing ground to social media – where unverified claims spread quickly and often as easily as accurate reporting
AUSTRIA: The ORF is dealing with salary cuts and losses in the tens of millions. (German)
Der Standard: Committees of the foundation’s board of trustees for finance and for the remuneration of the next management are meeting at Küniglberg. The next general manager announced he will forgo bonus payments.
AUSTRIA: Thurnher’s cost-cutting announcement at ORF: Management jobs, ORF shop and “ORF stars” will be eliminated. (German)
Der Standard: ORF Director General to staff: “We will also have to consider wage freezes.” Payments to pension funds suspended, supplementary payments are being evaluated.
AUSTRIA, GERMANY & SWITZERLAND: Pooling resources for a strong future: ARD, ORF and SRF continue their co-production partnership (Press release – German)
ORF: Investing together, learning from each other, and making special programs possible: ARD, ORF, and SRF continue to join forces to create exceptional content for people throughout the German-speaking world.
BELGIUM: “The basis of investigative journalism does not change, but the context does”: a look back at 10 years of VRT NWS Pano (Dutch)
VRT: Our investigative magazine ‘VRT NWS Pano’ is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The world looks very different than in 2016, but the DNA and mission of the reportage program remain the same after all these years. “Investigative journalism is, moreover, more important than ever,” emphasizes managing editor Pascal Seynhaeve.
BELGIUM: Wallonia-Brussels Education and RTBF join forces to improve media literacy (French)
RTBF: Wallonia-Brussels Education and RTBF signed a partnership agreement on Friday in Brussels, at the public broadcaster’s headquarters, to develop media literacy in schools across the region.
BULGARIA: Milen Mitev: Public media can be modern enlighteners (Bulgarian)
SBJ-BG: He also emphasised trust in public service media, noting that they are the most reliable source of news in 91 per cent of European countries. According to him, public service media in Europe spend nearly €6 billion a year on news and help to combat ‘news deserts’ through their presence at local level.
CZECH REPUBLIC: Czech Television expands automatic subtitling and audio description of live broadcasts (Press release – Czech)
CT: From November 2, automatic closed captions will also be available continuously on the ČT sport program. At the same time, automated audio description of selected broadcast elements is now available on ČT24.
CZECH REPUBLIC: Czech Television’s reaction to the discussion of the government’s draft bill on fees (Press release – Czech)
CT: Czech Television’s CEO Hynek Chudárek and top management are concerned about the hasty manner in which the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic wants to discuss a bill changing the method of financing Czech Television.
CZECH REPUBLIC: PM Babiš says coalition will not withdraw public media funding bill
Radio Prague International: He said further talks would be held on its specific provisions, with voluntary license fee payments among the options under consideration.
CZECH REPUBLIC: Public media funding (Listen)
Radio Prague International: The Babiš government’s fast-tracking of legislation to end license fees and fund Czech Television and Czech Radio from the state budget sparked protests at the weekend. Ian Willoughby discussed the situation in Pundit series with political scientist Jiří Pehe and Vít Pohanka prepared a report from demonstrations in two of the country’s biggest cities.
CZECH REPUBLIC: Thousands protest Czech government’s public media overhaul after rushed vote
Reuters: Thousands protested in Prague on Sunday after government lawmakers gave initial backing to public media funding changes in a rare overnight vote despite criticism the overhaul will damage media independence.
DENMARK: “Hacker attack” forced TV Avisen to broadcast from a contingency studio: A behind-the-scenes look at the crisis drill (Press release – Danish)
DR: What do you do if TV Avisen’s usual studio suddenly becomes unusable and access to DR’s systems is blocked due to a cyberattack, but you still need to broadcast to the Danish public? That scenario played out late one evening at DR Byen – as part of a drill.
ESTONIA: All ERR radio stations can now be found on the common Estonian Radio portal (Press release – Estonian)
ERR: The Estonian Public Broadcasting Company has opened a new Eesti Raadio portal, which offers all ERR radio stations and audio content in the form of programs and music channels for listening in one place.
FINLAND: In Troubled Times, Finland’s Public Broadcaster Has an Answer: Puppies (Paywall)
The New York Times: “Puppy Live,” a round-the-clock livestream of a litter, has become a national phenomenon. “Nothing bad happens in the puppy box,” one fan explained.
FRANCE: Public broadcasting: a decree to strengthen impartiality (French)
The Media Leader: Catherine Pégard, Minister of Culture, announced the publication of the decree modifying the specifications of France Télévisions, Radio France and France Médias Monde, in order to strengthen the guarantees of impartiality of public broadcasting.
GERMANY: Expert report “The German media market 2035”: Public broadcasting as a market stabilizer and market shaper (Press release – German)
ZDF: A strong dual media system will continue to be a key prerequisite for media diversity, innovation, and a democratic public sphere. Private and public service media fulfill different, complementary functions and thus jointly contribute to the stability of the German media market.
GERMANY: Minister of State for Culture Weimer: “ARD and ZDF must reinvent themselves” (German)
Deutschlandfunk: Minister of State for Culture Weimer has advocated for a fundamental reform of public broadcasting. For example, he suggests considering reducing the ARD to four or five regional broadcasting corporations, following the model of the “cloverleaf” concept discussed years ago, as Weimer writes in “Welt am Sonntag”.
ICELAND: Media for the Future – RÚV Broadcasting Congress 2026 (Event – Icelandic)
RUV: Speakers at the radio conference on October 29, 2026 include the director of innovation at the Swedish state broadcaster SVT, an expert in public service media policy and the owner of the consulting firm South 180, among others.
IRELAND: Saorsat is closing in early 2028 (Press release)
RTE: Since 2012, Saorsat has provided coverage in areas where Saorview reception may be challenged. Services from RTÉ, TG4 and Oireachtas TV are currently available on Saorsat.
ITALY: Italy seeks industry feedback on media and communications laws
Red Tech: The Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy has opened consultations to assess the impact of two laws affecting the media and communications sectors. Responses are due Nov. 9, 2026.
THE NETHERLANDS: Arts sector fears devastation at NPO now that NTR cultural tasks are disappearing: ‘Very shocked’ (Paywall – Dutch)
De Telegraaf: Arts sector warns of sweeping cuts at the NPO following accusations regarding NTR’s cultural remit.
THE NETHERLANDS: NPO supports public broadcasting reform, but wants guarantees for digital future (Dutch)
Spreekbuis: The NPO and the national public broadcasters support the proposed reform of the broadcasting system, but believe that the legislative proposal needs to be amended in key areas. According to the NPO, the financing of digital platforms, the distribution of responsibilities, and the scope for innovation, in particular, require extra attention.
THE NETHERLANDS: Ster warns of large financial deficit at public broadcaster due to restrictions on online advertising (Dutch)
Spreekbuis: Ster warns that the proposed reform of public broadcasting could have major financial consequences. According to the advertising organization, a deficit of a total of 141 million euros is projected between 2027 and 2031 compared to budgeted advertising revenues.
NORWAY: Good day, man – axe handle, NRK! (Opinion – Norwegian)
Aftenposten: In a new Civita note, I have looked at the current affairs and news coverage of NRK on TV and radio compared to the publicly owned public broadcasters in Denmark and Sweden. The conclusion is that the public broadcasters in our neighboring countries have a more, sometimes much more, extensive and varied offer of programs within this core mission.
NORWAY: Report: Roblox exposes children to massive buying pressure (Norwegian)
NRK: In a new report, the Norwegian Media Authority concludes that the game, which is the most used digital service among young people between the ages of 9 and 12, poses a significant risk to children.
NORWAY & RUSSIA: Russian Radio Station in Svalbard Halt Broadcasts Over Missing Norwegian Permit
High North News: The Russian radio station Maya in Barentsburg had to halt its FM broadcasts after Norwegian authorities discovered that it lacked the necessary permits. The company has since applied for authorisation, but the application remains on hold.
POLAND: Billions from the budget and government grants, and contracts worth millions, amidst the ongoing, apparent winding-up of Telewizja Polska S.A. (Press release – Polish)
Government of Poland: Telewizja Polska SA, in liquidation, is receiving a significant amount of public funding. Despite the liquidation process, which has been ongoing since 2023, the company also benefits from funds transferred by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, subscription fees, and contracts worth millions with the government.
PORTUGAL: Minister Leitão Amaro says that RTP needs restructuring. (Portuguese)
Diario de Noticias: The Minister of the Presidency argued this Wednesday, October 21st, that RTP needs restructuring, which involves adjusting costs and revenue generation capacity, ruling out any increase in the Audiovisual Contribution (CAV).
RUSSIA: Mapping Russia’s hybrid war: 17 newsrooms, six months, hundreds of incidents
EBU: Public service media from 17 countries have built an interactive map showing the extent of hybrid war incidents linked to Russia as part of a joint ongoing investigation.
SERBIA: Elections in Serbia: EFJ calls on the authorities to let journalists do their job
EFJ: Whilst long queues formed at polling stations across Serbia on Sunday, the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) and its Serbian affiliates began to report the first incidents targeting journalists covering the parliamentary elections. The EFJ calls on the authorities to ensure the safety of journalists on the ground.
SERBIA: Serbian TV Company Apologized to Viewers for Misleading Them for Many Years
Nashaniva: The Serbian public television company “Radio and Television of Vojvodina” (RTV) began its news broadcast on October 26 with an apology to viewers for years of one-sided event coverage and support for the government’s position, according to the publication Vijesti.
SLOVENIA: Golob “depoliticized” RTV SLO, will Janša do the same? The Constitutional Court gave its “blessing”, but Gregorčič and Avbelj are going to the ECHR (Slovenian)
Zanima: “The Constitutional Court’s decision raises serious questions about the functioning of the rule of law,” say Dr. Peter Gregorčič and Dr. Matej Avbelj, who today filed an appeal with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) regarding the constitutional review of the RTV Slovenia Act.
SWEDEN: Collaboration that strengthens capabilities (Blog – Swedish)
SR: Cooperation is crucial for our preparedness. Last week, Sveriges Radio participated in the largest total defense exercise for the electronic communications sector to date, Telö 26. This is written by Sveriges Radio’s Chief of Staff, Gabriel Byström.
SWEDEN: Johan Turis Muitalus sámiid birra is read aloud in Northern Sámi (Press release – Swedish)
SR: Today, a reading of Johan Turis Muitalus’s sámiid birra in Northern Sami is released in the Sveriges Radio app. The production is made by Sveriges Radio Sameradion in collaboration with SVT Minoritet and is released in six episodes, one for each reader.
SWITZERLAND: Yearbook on Media Quality: High level of trust in SRG services (Press release – German)
SRG SSR: With its 2026 Yearbook on Media Quality, the fög – Research Centre for the Public Sphere and Society – has once again published its analysis of media quality in Switzerland. The SRG’s offerings continue to achieve high quality ratings.
UK: BBC announces next phase of savings including the closure of linear broadcast services (Press release)
BBC: The BBC needs to make tough decisions due to the sustained financial pressures facing the organisation and must make savings of £500 million by 2028
UK: BBC Creative platforms the vital importance of BBC Children in Need project workers in new campaign film (Press release)
BBC: Highlighting the BBC Children in Need youth workers who stand alongside young people through life’s challenges, the film celebrates the lasting impact of consistent support
UK: BBC cuts risk public service mission and universal access according to journalists’ union
Nation Cymru: The BBC’s “relentless campaign of cuts and increasing adoption of digital-only services” put at risk the broadcaster’s mission to provide universal, high-quality output that informs, educates, and entertains, the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has said.
UK: BBC News to axe education editor role in cost-cutting move
The Guardian: Fears over lack of scrutiny for key sectors as health editor position also to go in cuts aimed at saving £5.5m
REGIONAL: EU pledges €20.5m to fight media threats, bolster pluralism nationwide (Paywall)
The Brussels Times: The European Commission is making €20.5 million available through three new funding calls to support journalism, media pluralism and media literacy across Europe.
ARGENTINA: State of press freedom in Argentina (Spanish)
La Gaceta: The report on what happened in the last six months, presented to the IAPA General Assembly in Bogotá, warns about the persistence of presidential attacks against journalists, legal initiatives that could restrict freedom of expression, and judicial decisions that hindered journalistic investigations.
BRAZIL: Abraji condemns attempt to censor the press by Flávio Bolsonaro’s campaign (Portuguese)
Abraji: The Brazilian Association of Investigative Journalism (Abraji) publicly expresses its repudiation of the serious attempt by Flávio Bolsonaro’s campaign to censor the work of the press on the eve of the second round, trying to link it to an electoral campaign.
BRAZIL: Fearing democratic backsliding, some Brazilian journalists make their politics public
LatAm Journalism Review: Independent news outlets and press groups warn that the election’s outcome could have far-reaching consequences for democracy, testing journalists’ traditional commitment to political neutrality.
CHILE: Legislative tensions and attacks on journalists mark press freedom in Chile (Spanish)
Infobae: Initiatives questioned for their possible impact on investigative journalism, attacks against journalists, economic difficulties and debates on copyright and Artificial Intelligence (AI) mark the current landscape of press freedom in Chile, says a report approved this Sunday by the Inter-American Press Association (IAPA).
COLOMBIA: FLIP rejected De la Espriella’s statements about the use of the press by armed groups: “It shifts the responsibility to the victims.” (Spanish)
Infobae: The president asserted that, in some cases, the media has served as a platform for criminals, who seek to “spread threats, justify their crimes, or impose their narrative.”
CUBA: Cuba ranks among the five countries with the least digital freedom, according to Freedom House’s annual report (Spanish)
Infobae: The island scored 19 out of 100 in the 38-nation assessment, ranking it as the worst in Latin America for censorship, official surveillance, and violations against users.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Press freedom in the Dominican Republic: attacks, access to sources and legal risks highlighted by the IAPA (Spanish)
Acento: The organization identifies difficulties in accessing public sources, attacks during coverage, fewer opportunities for contact with the president, and possible effects of the Penal Code on freedom of expression.
ECUADOR: SIP warns of “high vulnerability” to exercising press freedom in Ecuador (Spanish)
Infobae: The Inter-American Press Association (IAPA) warned this Sunday that the exercise of press freedom in Ecuador takes place in an environment of “high vulnerability,” marked by the violence of organized crime, the limited capacity of state protection mechanisms, and various institutional pressures and restrictions.
RSF: Eighteen journalists have been killed since the start of her presidency, at an average rate of one a month since the beginning of 2026. At a meeting with RSF on 21 October, Interior Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez acknowledged delays in implementing these commitments and reaffirmed the government’s determination to accelerate their implementation.
MEXICO: Violence, regulation, and judicial harassment limit freedom of expression in Mexico (Spanish)
El Universal: In Mexico, freedom of expression is under threat from persistent violence against journalists, as well as from legal proceedings and regulatory measures. Furthermore, this year also saw disappearances, death threats, physical attacks, and pressure to withdraw or limit information, according to the annual report of the Inter-American Press Association (IAPA), which will be presented during its 82nd General Assembly, being held in the Colombian capital.
PANAMA: Press freedom in Panama: complaints filed with the IAPA regarding pressure, disqualifications, and threats (Spanish)
La Prensa: In Panama, the exercise of freedom of expression and of the press remains under serious threat, due to difficulties in accessing official sources, the unequal distribution of state advertising, restrictive legislative initiatives, and the persistence of legal proceedings and the qualifications of an embassy due to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: Outcry in Trinidad and Tobago after passing of police bill that could threaten press freedom (6 October)
The Guardian: Journalists in Trinidad and Tobago have called for an urgent amendment to a sweeping new bill that increases police powers of search and seizure, which they argue threatens the country’s much-vaunted freedom of the press.
REGIONAL: How displaced journalists continue to report to Latin America (Spanish)
La Gaceta: Persecution, threats, and restrictions on press freedom have forced hundreds of Latin American journalists to leave their countries. Far from silencing their voices, these circumstances are giving rise to new networks of collaboration, support, and cross-border journalistic production.
REGIONAL: One in four cases of media violence involves sexual harassment, warn experts at the SIP (Spanish)
SIP: Nearly one in four cases of violence reported in the media involves sexual harassment, denounced the panelists on Sunday during the 82nd General Assembly of the Inter-American Press Association (IAPA), speaking at the panel “Sexual Harassment in Newsrooms: Prevention, Response, and Leadership to Build Safe Spaces.” During the panel, the experts warned that there can be no full press freedom while unsafe working environments for female journalists persist.
REGIONAL: The risks to freedom of expression and judicial independence in Latin America (Spanish)
SIP: In one of the most in-depth conversations of the 82nd IAPA General Assembly, three experts in constitutional law and human rights warned about the rise of increasingly sophisticated forms of censorship and judicial harassment against journalists.
GAZA: Damning report shows the media must confront its failures on Gaza
The National Scot: Now, a damning new United Nations (UN) report could force news organisations to confront their own failures in accurately reporting on the scale and reality of the atrocities committed by Israel.
IRAQ: Iraq launches news verification platform to combat misinformation
The New Region: ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Iraq has launched a platform dedicated to combating misinformation by monitoring and verifying circulating news, the government said Monday.
ISRAEL: Israel Election Commission Urges Voters to Reject Social Media Rumors
Asianet Newsable: Israel’s Central Election Commission Director General Dean Livne has urged citizens to reject misinformation circulating on social media and rely on official election authorities, calling on more than 7.3 million eligible voters to exercise their democratic right as the country prepares for the Knesset elections.
RSF: Since beginning his latest term in office in 2022, Benjamin Netanyahu has adopted an increasingly “Trumpian” approach to the media, relentlessly disparaging those who challenge him while only accepting interviews with those who support him.
ISRAEL: KAN to Broadcast Eurovision Asia 2026
Eurovoix: The Israeli public broadcaster KAN has confirmed that it will air the Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 live from Bangkok, Thailand.
Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism: “Misinformation happens all around the world, but I think in Israel, things are on steroids,” says Achiya Schatz, co-founder of FakeReporter.
OMAN: Oman Public Prosecution warns against offensive social media posts
Times of Oman: Oman’s Public Prosecution has urged the public to exercise caution and responsibility when expressing opinions, particularly on social media, warning against posts that could offend other countries, their symbols or their people.
QATAR: Eutelsat renews Qatar Media Corporation distribution agreement
Broadband TV News: Eutelsat has signed a new multi-year agreement with Qatar Media Corporation (QMC) to continue distributing the public broadcaster’s television services across the Middle East and North Africa.
TURKEY: Demonstration by journalists and NGOs defending press freedom (French)
RFI: In Turkey, several thousand people marched in the streets this Saturday, October 24. Journalists’ unions and press freedom NGOs called for demonstrations in about ten cities across the country to denounce a sharp increase in the number of journalists imprisoned in recent months, as well as the takeover of several major opposition media outlets and the closure of news websites.
TURKEY: In Türkiye, a wave of censorship is affecting the media and journalists (Listen – French)
RFI: On Wednesday, October 14, Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government took control of Halk TV, Turkey’s main opposition channel and the most-watched news channel in Turkey.
CANADA: CBC/Radio-Canada Chooses Dalet for Enterprise News Transformation
Financial Content: Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, announced today that the CBC/Radio-Canada has selected Dalet to modernize its news operations across Canada.
CANADA: CBC/Radio-Canada strengthens its commitment to reducing its environmental footprint (Press release)
CBC/Radio-Canada: CBC/Radio-Canada today launched a new 2026–2031 Environmental Plan, Greening Our Story: Together for Tomorrow, reaffirming the national public broadcaster’s ongoing commitment to serve Canadians in an environmentally responsible way.
CANADA: More local journalists and expanded sports coverage among the highlights of CBC/Radio-Canada’s 2025–2026 annual report (Press release)
CBC/Radio-Canada: Our latest annual report was submitted to the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture on June 30, 2026, as required by the Broadcasting Act, and tabled by the Minister in the House of Commons on October 20, 2026.
CANADA: Regulating Social Media Platforms to Protect Children (Listen)
CBC: Mahtab Laghaei, policy analyst at The Dais, speaks with guest host Margaux Watt about the proposed federal Safe Social Media Act and the impact of restricting platform access for youth under sixteen.
US: NPR to move public editor partnership to University of Maryland
Current: NPR will move its public editor partnership from the Poynter Institute to the University of Maryland next year.
US: PBS News seeks new revenue through paid memberships
Current: The producer of PBS News Hour has launched a new fundraising initiative that aims to bolster its sustainability by bringing in additional revenue directly from audiences and supporters.
US: Public broadcasting found a lifeline after defunding. How long will it last?
Poynter Institute: A surge of ‘rage giving’ and philanthropy helped stave off widespread closures, but many public media organizations remain vulnerable
US: Trump Pushes to Evict the Press From the White House (Paywall)
The New York Times: President Trump has talked about replacing the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room with an indoor swimming pool.
US & UK: How the BBC Is Fighting Back
CJR: Britain’s public service broadcaster is aggressively defending itself against Donald Trump in Florida. Can it use the legal process to break news?
US & UK: Trump sued the BBC. Now he has to answer its questions. (Opinion)
Poynter: President Donald Trump is suing the BBC for $10 billion over a misleadingly edited quote in a documentary it aired in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election. The lawsuit might end up with Trump answering questions under oath.
Periodistas de Aragon: An analysis by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reveals that 71% of public agreements between artificial intelligence (AI) companies and media outlets are concentrated in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The study analyzes 230 agreements signed between 2023 and May 2026. The United States accounts for 128, while India, despite having approximately 1.4 billion inhabitants, only registers two.
CJR: How journalists writing about AI can avoid hyping the supposed humanity of machines.
Four insights into how AI is changing media
VRT International: AI is no longer breaking news, and it should not be deciding what makes the news either. Artificial intelligence is already changing how images are created, how people find news and how media organisations reach their audiences.
How Big Tech Unleashed a New Wave of Misogyny Against Journalists
CJR: Women journalists are facing rising levels of abuse.
“I learn what is happening in the world via TikTok”: why the app is so important for young people (Watch – Dutch)
VRT
NiemanLab: Meta’s new commercial terms will go into effect three weeks later than initially planned.
The knives are out at Netflix – maybe now it will make something worth watching
The Guardian: In this week’s newsletter: Stalling subscriber numbers have led to a corporate bloodbath, but the streaming giant has an inherent quality problem that will be a lot harder to fix
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Header image:News conference. Filming an event with a video camera. Credit: wellphoto / Shutterstock.com
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