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.
Every week, PMA compiles all the latest news from the public media and media freedom industry. Have a story to feature? Get in touch!
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RSF World Press Freedom Index 2025
RSF: Although physical attacks against journalists are the most visible violations of press freedom, economic pressure is also a major, more insidious problem.
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Max Leroy (ex-CNN) – When the end is in sight (French)
Chemin (Médianes): In this episode, Max Leroy looks back at the sudden end of a project. How do you deal with the demise of a project you’ve given everything to? Is it really possible to innovate within the traditional media?
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Caricartoons: a cartoon campaign for World Press Freedom Day
RSF: To mark World Press Freedom Day, 3 May, Europeans Without Borders (ESF), Cartooning for Peace and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) have joined forces for Caricartoons, a campaign celebrating press freedom.
Chaos and Credibility: A Snapshot of How AI Is Impacting Press Freedom and Investigative Journalism
GIJN: Amid this press turmoil, there’s been a corresponding, paradigm-shifting technological development, as artificial intelligence, large language models, and predictive algorithms have appeared all across the media landscape.
Framing New Stories: Meet 5 Female Arab Journalists on World Press Freedom Day
Vogue Arabia: Meet the inspiring women on a shared mission to uncover truths while setting new benchmarks for storytelling.
Council of Europe: On this World Press Freedom Day, we reaffirm the fundamental role of a free, independent, and safe press in democratic societies. Across the Council of Europe’s 46 member States—and beyond—journalists continue to face growing threats to their safety, their integrity, and their right to inform. Today, we stand with them.
The Guardian: The act of labelling journalists ‘foreign agents’ is deliberately chilling. On World Press Freedom Day, be aware of the peril involved in seeking the truth.
Journalism facing new threats from AI and censorship
UN: “Amidst spiraling conflict, climate chaos, growing divisions, and a rapidly changing digital landscape, a free press is more vital than ever,” said Volker Türk. Furthermore, “the media help us understand the world around us and encourage critical thinking and dialogue.”
Journalism under attack like never before, warns Cilla Benkö on World Press Freedom Day
EBU: Journalism under attack like never before, warns Cilla Benkö on World Press Freedom Day.
On World Press Freedom Day, journalists face record killings and rising censorship
Jerusalem Post: A new Pew study suggests that those living in countries with relatively high press freedom are less likely to consider it important, raising concerns that complacency may lead to backsliding.
RSF World Press Freedom Index 2025: economic fragility a leading threat to press freedom (Index)
RSF: Although physical attacks against journalists are the most visible violations of press freedom, economic pressure is also a major, more insidious problem.
There is a war on journalists raging around the world: let their voices be heard (Opinion)
The Guardian: Today is World Press Freedom Day. The Guardian is determined to highlight the dangers faced by reporters working in some of the world’s most perilous places, and to tell their stories.
What is the state of global press freedom in 2025?
Amnesty International: Around the world, journalists are being silenced, jailed, and disappeared – simply for doing their jobs. From Guatemala to the USA, Russia to Pakistan, governments are increasingly resorting to authoritarian practices, weaponizing vague laws, judicial systems, and brute force to suppress press freedom.
Council of Europe: Ahead of this year’s World Press Freedom Day (3 May), focusing on the Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on press freedom and the media, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities’ Deputy Standing Rapporteur on Human Rights, Mélanie Lepoultier (France, ILDG) has called on authorities to maximise the benefits and address the risks of the use of AI for local and regional media.
BENIN: Wave of Attacks on Press Freedom Highlights Urgent Need to Reform Digital Code
All Africa: The Benin authorities’ recent wave of sanctions against independent media outlets highlights the urgent need to protect press freedom in the country, said Amnesty International, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Internet Without Borders.
EGYPT: Khaled el-Balshy re-elected as head of the journalists’ union, a breath of hope for the profession (French)
RFI: Since he took office in March 2023, the union has established itself as one of the few areas of freedom in the country, which has been ruled with an iron fist since 2013 by Marshal-President al-Sissi.
ETHIOPIA: Mass arrests and beatings: how Ethiopia went from celebrating journalists to jailing them (WPFD)
The Guardian: Hundreds of media workers have been detained, often on terror charges, or forced into exile by Abiy Ahmed’s regime.
GAMBIA: RSF asks Gambia to repeal draconian media laws
The Point: It stands at the 10th place in Africa and the fifth in West Africa. As such The Gambia’s ranking is not that bad even if the country is still in the zone where press freedom is still problematic, according to RSF Subsaharan Africa Director Sadibou Marong.
GHANA: AI can significantly enrich journalism, despite emerging threats – GJA President
GBN: The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into journalistic practice holds immense potential to transform and enrich news gathering and dissemination processes, despite emerging challenges.
GHANA: GBC reaffirms commitment to strengthening ties with National Petroleum Authority (Press release)
GBC: The Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening its longstanding relationship with the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), as part of its broader agenda to enhance collaboration with key stakeholders in the energy sector.
GHANA: GJA honours GBC for resilience and contribution to press freedom (Press release)
GBC: The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has honoured a group of distinguished journalists and media contributors for their significant roles in advancing press freedom in the country.
GHANA: My government will work towards a free and thriving media space in Ghana — Mahama
Modern Ghana: President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his government’s commitment to creating a safe, enabling, and thriving environment for the Ghanaian media.
MALAWI: Chakwera Cautions Media – Don’t Be Megaphones for Social Media Madness
Nyasa Times: President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has thrown shade at the Malawian media, urging journalists to steer clear of “sensational stories from the jungle of social media”–just as Malawi marked World Press Freedom Day.
MALAWI: Smile for the Camera, Muzzle the Press – Chakwera’s Two-Faced Media Strategy
Nyasa Times: At the 2025 Presidential Media Breakfast in Mzuzu, President Lazarus Chakwera smiled for the cameras. But behind the photo ops and polished platitudes was a media landscape under siege–silenced, squeezed, and suffocating under his administration’s watch.
NIGERIA: Cybercrime Act now weapon of tyranny in Tinubu’s govt– SERAP, editors cry out
PM News: A storm of criticism is sweeping through Nigeria’s media and civil rights landscape as the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have launched a scathing attack on the Tinubu administration over the “draconian” use of the Cybercrimes Act to silence dissent.
NIGERIA: IPI Nigeria calls for better protection, fair treatment of journalists
The Guardian: As the global community observes World Press Freedom Day, the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has issued a strong appeal for a strengthened commitment to press freedom and the enhanced protection of journalists across the nation.
NIGERIA: Meta threatens to cut off Facebook in Nigeria over huge fines
BBC: People in Nigeria may lose access to Facebook and Instagram after parent company Meta said it faced large fines and “unrealistic” regulatory demands from the Nigerian authorities.
NIGERIA: Nigeria commits to responsible adoption of AI in Journalism
TVC News: As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes the global media landscape, Nigeria is positioning itself as a pioneer in promoting press freedom, ethical journalism, and media literacy in the digital age.
SENEGAL: Journalists denounce the suspension of several hundred media outlets (French)
RFI: As Senegal celebrates World Press Freedom Day this Saturday, May 3, a debate is roiling the country. Does the suspension of media outlets that fail to meet the administrative requirements of the Press Code constitute an attack on press freedom?
SOUTH AFRICA: Call for greater protection for media (Press release)
South Africa Government News Agency: Government has called for greater protection of journalists everywhere while also condemning acts of intimidation and attacks against the media.
SOUTH AFRICA: COSATU Limpopo and Communications Workers Union call for SABC probe
Mediadon: The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in Limpopo supports its Affiliate, the Communications Workers Union (CWU), as it calls for an investigation into the dismissals of workers at the South African Broadcast Corporation (SABC).
SOUTH AFRICA: Good news for fans of old South African TV shows
My Broadband: The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) wants to generate additional revenue by making its old content available on its SABC+ streaming platform, reports Rapport.
SUDAN: Sudanese Women Journalists – Systematic Targeting and a Heavy Price in Wartime
Dabanga: Sudanese women journalists have paid a heavy price concerning their lives, security and livelihoods over the two years of war raging between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023.
SUDAN: Sudan War Turns Journalism Deadly Amid Killings, Arrests, Threats
Dabanga: Sudanese journalists face extreme danger amid the war that erupted in mid-April 2023, turning their profession deadly with reporters targeted by killings, gunfire and arrests, the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate (SJS) said.
ZIMBABWE: Recall the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill Before It Is Signed Into Law – Misa Appeals to Govt
News Zimbabwe: The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe has urged the Zimbabwean government to shelve the new Broadcasting Services Bill and allow a national forum to reconsider its nature, warning that if it is signed into law in its current form, it will set Zimbabwe back.
REGIONAL: East and Southern Africa – Journalists Targeted Amid Ongoing Crackdown on Media (WPFD)
Amnesty International: Authorities across East and Southern Africa continued to impose severe restrictions on the right to freedom of expression and media freedom over the past year, said Amnesty International on World Press Freedom Day.
REGIONAL: FAJ marks World Press Freedom Day by urging responsible use of AI to safeguard journalism in Africa (WPFD)
IFJ: The Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) hails the courage, resilience and exceptional service of African journalists whose unwavering commitment continues to expose the truth, empower the public and strengthen democracy.
HONG KONG: Hong Kong falls to 140th in press freedom index with historic low score
Hong Kong Free Press: “We have never seen such a sharp and rapid deterioration in the press freedom of any country or territory.”
INDIA: ‘They threatened to bulldoze my house’: fear and violence stalk journalists in Modi’s India (WPFD)
The Guardian: Attacks and self censorship, draconian anti-terror laws and tycoons’ control over the media, are all seen as eroding the country’s democracy.
INDIA & PAKISTAN: Kashmir attacks: India, Pakistan vie to control narrative
DW: The Pahalgam attacks have sparked one of the worst crises between India and Pakistan in years. Beyond the simmering conflict on the ground, a battle to control public perception is also being waged in the media.
KURDISTAN: Erbil marks World Press Freedom Day by highlighting the struggles of female journalists
Rûdaw: The Kurdistan Region capital Erbil commemorated World Press Freedom Day over the weekend with the Women’s Voice without Borders conference, focusing on the unique challenges female journalists face, especially in conflict zones.
PHILIPPINES: Philippines rises in press freedom index
Manila Times: The presidential task force on media security welcomed the Philippines’ highest ranking in 21 years.
SINGAPORE: Singapore’s ruling party pulls out all stops online to woo youth
BBC News: The TikTok video begins with Singapore’s health minister smiling at the camera while sitting on a park bench.
AUSTRALIA: As Australia’s election result reminds us, News Corp no longer has the power to sway voters (Opinion)
The Guardian: The declining power of the Murdoch press is part of the wider story of the waning influence of mainstream media.
ABC: A largely automated pro-Russian news website has been used to “launder” propaganda on Australian topics in the lead-up to this weekend’s federal election.
AUSTRALIA: Local news must step up as world press freedom is in decline
Coast Community News: “Media outlets are vanishing, news deserts are growing, and journalists are being pushed to the margins,” the report said.
AUSTRALIA: SBS, NITV and NIDA partner to empower the next generation of screen creatives (Press release)
SBS: SBS, National Indigenous Television (NITV) and the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) have announced a new three-year partnership to provide practical and structured pathways for emerging creatives and support the transition for students into the screen industry.
FIJI: Fiji media welcomes credible news services, but not ‘pop-up propagandists’, says Simpson
Evening Report: Entities and individuals that thrived under the previous government with public relations contracts now want to be part of the media or run media organisations, says Fiji Media Association (FMA) secretary Stanley Simpson.
SAMOA ISLANDS: Samoa drops in ranking in media freedom index (Listen)
RNZ: The 2025 World Press Freedom Index has seen Samoa drop from 22 in 2024 to 44.
REGIONAL: Pacific ‘story sovereignty’ top of mind on World Press Freedom Day
Asia Pacific Report: World Press Freedom Day is a poignant reminder that journalists and media workers are essential for a healthy, functioning society — including the Pacific. Held annually on May 3, World Press Freedom Day prompts governments about the need to respect press freedom, while serving as a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics.
REGIONAL: World Press Freedom Day: What’s happening in the Pacific (WPFD)
RNZ: This year’s theme resonates deeply across the Pacific, where journalists face challenges ranging from political pressure and staff shortages to gender inequality and cyber bullying.
BELGIUM: “You can scroll endlessly on TikTok to get to know young people, but a real conversation says so much more” (Press release – Dutch)
VRT: Young people are an important target group for VRT, and that requires real dialogue, not just observation from a distance.
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA: Made in Sarajevo: When Bosnia’s Public Broadcaster was a Media Innovator
Balkan Insight: Lida Hujic, a popular youth presenter during the golden era of Radio Television Sarajevo in the late 1980s, recalls the rebellious past of a public broadcaster which today, as BHRT, faces an uncertain future as it celebrates its anniversary.
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA: Statement by the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina on the Occasion of World Press Freedom Day (WPFD)
OSCE: A free society depends on a free press. In recognition of World Press Freedom Day, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mission) reaffirms its continued commitment to defending the fundamental right to free and independent journalism, as well as the corresponding right of journalists to enjoy the freedom to operate safely and without undue interference.
CZECH REPUBLIC: ČT24 celebrates 20 years: The most watched public news program in Europe accompanies viewers through good times and bad (Press release – Czech)
ČT: Since its first broadcast on May 2, 2005, it has become not only a stable part of the Czech media space, but above all a key source of information for millions of people. Today, ČT24 is the most watched public news station in Europe and a symbol of credibility, reliability and uninterrupted news coverage.
FINLAND: Linnea Rasmus has been elected as the new head of Yle Sápmi and editor-in-chief (Finnish)
Yle: Rasmus will start her position on May 1, 2025. The head of Yle Sápmi will lead the Sámi-language unit and be responsible for the content of the 17-person editorial team.
FINLAND: Yle’s CEO changes – Merja Ylä-Anttila retires (Finnish)
Yle: Yle’s CEO Merja Ylä-Anttila will retire by the end of 2025. Yle’s board has begun a search for a new CEO.
FRANCE: At the call of the EBU, France Télévisions commits to responsible AI and the integrity of information (Press release – French)
France Télévisions: France Télévisions and thousands of public and private news media outlets around the world are joining an initiative by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and WAN-IFRA, the World Association of News Publishers, calling on artificial intelligence developers to make AI safe, reliable, and beneficial for the news ecosystem and the public.
FRANCE: Radio France obtains “Journalism Trust Initiative” certification (Press release – French)
Radio France: Obtained by Radio France, the certification Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI) is a major recognition of the excellence and rigor of the editorial processes of the public service broadcasters.
GEORGIA: A Violent System Against Independent Media (WPFD)
Transparency International Georgia: Alongside the increasing instances of violence and interference in journalistic activities, a particularly dangerous trend is emerging: the instrumentalization of law enforcement and the judiciary by the ruling power against journalists.
GEORGIA: Georgia’s Media Crackdown Has Journalists ‘Counting Our Last Months’ (WPFD)
RFE/RL: Mariam Nikuradze holds an unofficial record among Georgian journalists: None has racked up as many fines as she has while covering daily protests since November.
GERMANY: She could soon disappear from the screens (German)
T-Online: Will ARD and ZDF change their approach to the AfD? The party is taking legal action against the party’s classification as “confirmed right-wing extremist” by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. But different rules apply on TV.
ICELAND: Better streaming service where internet connection is slow (Press release – Icelandic)
RÚV: RÚV users can now watch television broadcasts on the web, which requires less data than before. This improves RÚV’s service where high-speed networks are not available.
IRELAND: RTÉ Statement – Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) project (Press release)
RTÉ: The Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) project is one of the projects that was funded from the proceeds of RTÉ’s land sale in 2017, the initial business case for the project having been approved in September 2016.
ITALY: “United against disinformation” pills are back (Press release – Italian)
Rai: The first ten clips of the fourth season, each one minute long, underline the importance of prevention in the fight against fake news, the dangers of Artificial Intelligence and the use of specific countermeasures.
SERBIA: World Press Freedom Day: Media freedom in a state of emergency in Serbia (WPFD)
IPI: IPI and MFRR partners publish report following recent mission to Belgrade and Novi Sad.
SLOVAKIA: Audio transmission is not enough. SaS is reviewing access to public STVR Council meetings (Slovak)
SME: The opposition party SaS has filed a petition with the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Slovak Republic to review the legality of the procedure of the Slovak Television and Radio Council (STVR) in ensuring the public access to its meetings.
SLOVAKIA: Good morning: STVR – concerns about the election of a new CEO (Listen – Slovak)
SME: The public media outlet is facing a key election. A new face will be chosen to head the STVR, five candidates have already entered the competition.
SLOVAKIA: Half of people no longer believe that STVR’s reporting is balanced (Slovak)
SME: After three quarters of a year, the government coalition managed to make progress this week in its efforts to take control of Slovak Television and Radio.
SLOVAKIA: The media is trapped. Slovakia has experienced a second major fall in the press freedom rankings (Slovak)
SME: Today’s media have found themselves trapped in their efforts to maintain independence. They are threatened by an unprecedented threat in the form of economic survival.
SPAIN: RTVE is promoting a new era in its news programs with a focus on digital transformation and cross-cutting issues. (Press release – Spanish)
RTVE: Following RTVE’s leadership during the two major news events of recent days, the new news department continues its ambitious renewal to strengthen the Corporation’s public service in an increasingly demanding news environment.
SPAIN: RTVE launches a new era of regional newscasts under the slogan “Always Ahead” (Press release – Spanish)
RTVE: RTVE is embarking on a new era in its regional news programs with the goal of bringing information to citizens in a more competitive, dynamic, and accessible way.
SWEDEN: Cilla Benkö’s introduction at “The Frontline of Truth – Reporting During Wartime” (Press release – Swedish)
SR: On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2025, the Swedish Embassy in Ukraine today organized a panel discussion together with the Ukrainian public service company Suspilne in Kiev. Sveriges Radio’s CEO Cilla Benkö participated in the panel and opened with these comments.
SWITZERLAND: The press throughout the world, including in Switzerland, is suffocated by economic difficulties (Opinion – French)
Le Temps: Gag orders, predatory platforms, freezing of certain American funds… As Reporters Without Borders publishes its annual media freedom ranking, its representative in Switzerland, Isabelle Cornaz, is alarmed by the financial constraints weighing on the press, here and elsewhere.
UK: Backlash grows against Ipso’s undermining of press freedom (paywall)
The Telegraph: Regulator’s ruling against The Telegraph interferes with vital reporting of parliamentary business, MPs warn.
UK: ITV and Channel 4 face summer of uncertainty amidst leadership issues and potential mergers
The Guardian: Channel 4’s chief executive, Alex Mahon, is standing down and ITV head Carolyn McCall has been struggling for investors.
UK: New initiative offers UK small businesses rare opportunity to secure national TV advertising with Channel 4 worth £300,000 (Press release)
Channel4: A new competition from Channel 4 in collaboration with Constant Contact and Enterprise Nation is set to offer UK small business brands an opportunity to win a professionally produced broadcast TV advert on Channel 4 and expert marketing support — a package worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.
UK: The BBC is utterly beholden to the right. Why else would it fear an Evan Davis podcast about heat pumps? (Opinion)
The Guardian: The broadcaster behaves like Starmer’s government: suppress the left, cave to your critics, and undermine your own survival.
EFJ: The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) together with partner organisations of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) met with European Commission Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen, on 27 April 2025, to address increasing challenges concerning the economic viability, online safety of journalists, and the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the media landscape.
REGIONAL: Commission reaffirms commitment to uphold media freedom ahead of World Press Freedom Day (Statement – WPFD)
European Commission: As outlined in President von der Leyen’s political guidelines for 2024-2029, the Commission is ensuring that the implementation of the European Media Freedom Act is well on track. The Commission stands by journalists and strongly supports them in their ability to carry out their work safely and securely.
REGIONAL: This World Press Freedom Day, public service media stand together (WPFD)
Euractiv: Public broadcasters are protecting press freedom in Europe. On World Press Freedom Day, the European Broadcasting Union highlights the role of public service media in delivering quality news that matters to audiences.
REGIONAL: World Press Freedom Day: what’s at stake in (Western) Europe? (WPFD)
CMPF: When we think about threats to press freedom in Europe, our attention often turns eastward, towards states with more overt control of the media. However, 2024 and early 2025 have painted a far more complex picture.
ARGENTINA: Let us not tolerate intolerance (WPFD – Spanish)
FOPEA: On World Press Freedom Day, celebrated tomorrow, May 3, the Argentine Journalism Forum (FOPEA) warns of the potential consequences of the escalating attacks against journalists promoted by the country’s highest authority.
BRAZIL: Journalists promote National Day of Struggle on May 7th for rights and professional appreciation (Press release – Portuguese)
FENAJ: The National Federation of Journalists (FENAJ) called on the 31 affiliated Unions throughout the country to hold the National Day of Struggle for Brazilian Journalists, scheduled for May 7, 2025.
BRAZIL: SINJOR/AM and FENAJ repudiate threats to journalist José Francisco Silva de Araújo (Portuguese)
FENAJ: The Union of Professional Journalists in the State of Amazonas – SINJOR/AM and the National Federation of Journalists – FENAJ publicly condemn the threat made by the mayor of Iranduba, Augusto Ferraz, to journalist José Francisco Silva de Araújo, from the Amazônia Press portal.
COLOMBIA: Radiónica grows listenership in Colombia: new frequencies and programs to connect with more audiences. (Press release – Spanish)
RTVC: Radiónica is consolidating its position as a public youth and cultural radio station, with a significant increase in listeners in the year marking its 20th anniversary, with new programs and frequencies in Cali and Medellín.
EL SALVADOR: El Faro denounces the intention to arrest at least 7 of its journalists (in Spanish)
APES: Journalists Carlos Dada, director and founder of the digital media outlet El Faro, and Óscar Martínez, editor-in-chief of the aforementioned media outlet, reported this Saturday, May 3, that they have reliable information that the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) is preparing arrest warrants against at least 7 journalists from said media outlet, following the publication of a journalistic investigation in which two former gang leaders implicate President Nayib Bukele’s entourage in pacts with said criminal organizations.
GUYANA: Guyana Press Association embraces AI potential in World Press Freedom Day message
GPA: In observance of World Press Freedom Day 2025, the Guyana Press Association (GPA) has joined the global media community in reflecting on the theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.”
JAMAICA: Gov’t reaffirms commitment to safeguarding press freedom
RJR News: The government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding freedom of the press after Jamaica slipped two places on the World of Press Freedom Index. The country now ranks 26th out of 180 countries.
St Vincent’s: Growing concerns of editorial censorship, political influence
St Vincent Times: St Vincent, along with other (OECS) member states, generally have strong press freedom records despite growing concerns of editorial censorship and political influence, according to the 2025 World Press Freedom Report.
Trinidad and Tobago: TTPBA commemorates World Press Freedom Day – Impact of AI, fake news (Press release)
TTPBA: The TT Publishers and Broadcasters Association (TTPBA) once again uses the opportunity of the World Press Freedom Day, May 3, to rally the citizens of our country to the cause, filled by journalism.
REGIONAL: World Press Freedom Day: Caribbean media faces new challenges in the age of AI (WPFD)
Global Voices: ‘The press is not only a defender of democracy, but also a guardian of our collective future’
SYRIA: In Syria, a new era dawns for the media and freedom of expression, between hopes and concerns (Listen – French)
RFI: In Syria, after 54 years of a dictatorship that enforced relentless media censorship and eliminated any critical voice, a new era is dawning for journalists.
TURKEY: Swedish Reporter’s Arrest ‘Shows Turkey is Criminalising Journalism’: Rights Advocate
Balkan Insight: Media rights activist Baris Altintas tells BIRN that Joakim Medin’s arrest on charges of terrorism and insulting the President Erdogan is ‘shameful but not surprising’, given the poor state of freedom of expression in Turkey.
CANADA: CMF is investing US$245 million in Canada’s media industry this fiscal year
Kidscreen: The plan takes a “multi-pronged” approach to supporting kids & family content, including upping the maximum contribution these projects can receive to 75% of eligible costs.
CANADA: Independent Press Gallery sounds alarm after Canada slides to 21st place on press freedom index
WS: In a press release, IPG President Sheila Gunn Reid argued that “the sharp decline coincides with increased state control over media, both financially and legislatively.”
CANADA & US: Canadian law meant to support local journalism brings mixed results
OPB: It was meant for the largest social media companies to compensate local news media organizations whose content is shared on the platforms — thus supporting news outlets, many of which have seen advertising revenues plummet. But the law has had some unintended consequences, including Meta simply deciding not to allow news to be shared at all in Canada.
US: ‘A cocktail for a misinformed world’: why China and Russia are cheering Trump’s attacks on media
The Guardian: Today on World Press Freedom Day, there are warnings that US attempts to withdraw from promoting independent journalism will have far-reaching effects
US: Americans largely foresee AI having negative effects on news, journalists (Research)
Pew Research Center: Artificial intelligence is already affecting the way news is produced and received in the United States. But Americans are pessimistic about its long-term effect on the news people get and on the already-embattled journalism profession.
US: Confusion surrounding the takeover of international radio station Voice of America (French)
RFI: On Saturday 3 May, the US courts finally ruled against the resumption of broadcasting and the return to work of journalists from the international radio station Voice of America, which President Donald Trump intends to dismantle along with other public media.
US: Corporation for Public Broadcasting Statement Regarding Executive Order on Public Media (Press release)
CPB: “CPB is not a federal executive agency subject to the President’s authority. Congress directly authorized and funded CPB to be a private nonprofit corporation wholly independent of the federal government.”
US: Corporation for Public Broadcasting sues Trump after he tries to fire board members
NPR: President Trump opened up a new front in his assault on public media on Monday, asserting that he was removing three of the five board members of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
US: ‘Fight back’: journalist taking Trump administration to court calls for media to resist attacks
The Guardian: Patsy Widakuswara, lead plaintiff in lawsuit fighting order to dismantle Voice of America, says US government is becoming more aggressive
US: PBS CEO weighs in on the potential impact of cutting public media funding (Watch)
PBS: The Trump administration is expected to ask Congress to rescind more than $1 billion of funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the congressionally-created body through which NPR and PBS get federal funding, including for this program.
US: Trump says he’s ending federal funding for NPR and PBS. They say he can’t
NPR: President Trump issued an executive order late Thursday directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s board of directors to “cease federal funding for NPR and PBS,” the nation’s primary public broadcasters, claiming ideological bias.
AI and Journalism: A New Headline for News (WPFD – Press release – Dutch)
VRT: On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, Karel Degraeve, Innovation Expert at VRT NWS, shares his view on the challenges and opportunities of AI for journalism and media.
LEADING NEWSROOMS in the Age of Generative AI (Report)
EBU: The development of generative AI-driven technologies since the publication of the previous EBU News Report has been breathtaking. Still, most of the news industry has moved cautiously, busy researching and testing which features could make news production more efficient, reach broader audiences and add real value to journalism.
Funds4Media: Case studies from successful newsrooms, growing Facebook referral traffic, funding results and 21 active calls.
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