Press freedom: why you should be worried

The Economist

3 May 202217:44

Summary

TLDRThe video script highlights the alarming erosion of press freedom, particularly in democracies, with journalists facing violence, imprisonment, and harassment. It features Indian journalist Rana Ayub, who endures online abuse and legal threats for her reporting on corruption. The script also discusses the global decline in press freedom, the use of SLAPP suits to silence critics, and the financial bullying of media outlets in Hungary. Despite the challenges, there's optimism as journalists continue to find ways to report the truth.

Takeaways

📰 Journalists worldwide face increasing threats, including imprisonment, attacks, and murder, for reporting the truth.
🌍 Press freedom is deteriorating not just in authoritarian states but also in democracies.
🇮🇳 In India, journalists like Rana Ayyub face online abuse, legal cases, and surveillance for reporting on sensitive issues like corruption.
📉 India has fallen to 150th place out of 180 countries on the Global Press Freedom Index, dropping eight places in a single year.
🌐 Geopolitical and economic issues, along with the pandemic, have been used to justify crackdowns on press freedom.
📈 The use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) is rising, particularly in Europe, to silence journalists through legal harassment.
🇭🇺 In Hungary, the government has used financial bullying to suppress independent media, driving some outlets into bankruptcy.
🏦 Journalists have had to innovate, like setting up reader-funded outlets, to maintain independence in hostile environments.
😢 The emotional toll on journalists is immense, with many experiencing anxiety, distress, and fear for their safety.
💡 Despite the challenges, there is optimism as journalists continue to find ways to report and expose the truth.

Q & A

What is the current situation of journalists in Mexico?
-Journalists in Mexico are facing extreme violence and bloodshed, with many being killed, imprisoned, and attacked for doing their jobs.
Why is press freedom being eroded in democracies?
-Press freedom is being eroded in democracies due to subtle tactics used by governments to silence independent media, often involving intimidation, surveillance, and legal harassment.
Who is Rana Ayub and what challenges has she faced?
-Rana Ayub is an award-winning Indian journalist who has faced online abuse, harassment, and legal cases from the government for her reporting on Hindu nationalism and corruption in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.
What is the global ranking of India in terms of press freedom?
-India ranks 150th out of 180 countries on the global press freedom index, having fallen eight places in a single year.
What is the impact of press freedom on democracy?
-Press freedom is essential for democracy as it allows for government accountability and public discourse. Without a free press, it is difficult to maintain a strong and vibrant democracy.
What is a SLAPP lawsuit and how does it affect journalists?
-A SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) lawsuit is a legal action intended to censor, intimidate, and silence critics by burdening them with the cost of a legal defense until they abandon their criticism or opposition. Journalists facing SLAPP suits may self-censor to avoid the financial and reputational risks.
How many journalists were murdered in 2021 and where did most of these murders occur?
-Twenty-one reporters were murdered in 2021, with nearly 40 percent of those murders taking place in democracies.
What was Daphne Caruana Galizia known for and how did she die?
-Daphne Caruana Galizia was a Maltese journalist known for her investigations into corruption, including the Panama Papers. She died in a car bomb explosion, which is believed to be a targeted assassination.
How has the Hungarian government been suppressing press freedom?
-The Hungarian government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, has suppressed press freedom through financial bullying, such as withholding government advertising revenue from independent media and allowing the prime minister's wealthy allies to take over popular media outlets.
What is the role of the European Commission in addressing SLAPP lawsuits?
-The European Commission has proposed a new directive that would allow journalists and activists to appeal to courts to throw out some SLAPP lawsuits, aiming to protect free speech and reduce the abuse of these suits.
How do journalists like Rana Ayub remain optimistic despite the challenges?
-Despite the challenges, journalists like Rana Ayub remain optimistic because they continue to find ways around the tools used by governments to suppress them, demonstrating resilience and commitment to their work.