Freedom under siege: the new frontlines in the global war on the press

Press freedom is facing one of its most perilous moments in decades. Amid global disruption and the rise of authoritarian populism, journalists are being killed, silenced, sued, and targeted economically at alarming rates. Even long-standing democracies are increasingly applying legal, political, and financial pressures to undermine independent media. The United States government — once a gold standard for a free press — has unleashed an unprecedented crackdown on journalists since Donald Trump’s reelection.
This panel examines the accelerating erosion of press freedom worldwide, with a special focus on new fronts opening up against the press. Where are journalists most at risk today, and how are threats evolving beyond physical violence and imprisonment to include lawsuits, regulatory action, defunding, and media consolidation? What lessons can be drawn from countries with long histories of repression and how are those tactics being adopted elsewhere?
Bringing together leaders from journalism, law, and press-freedom advocacy, the discussion will explore the consequences for democratic accountability and public trust, and - crucially - what newsrooms, funders, and civil society can do to counter actions by historically repressive regimes and the new global players copying their playbooks.
This panel is designed for journalists, editors, funders, and media leaders seeking insights into defending press freedom in today’s increasingly hostile environment.
Moderated by Jane Spencer.
Organised in association with Guardian News & Media.