UNESCO figures point to a historic decline in media freedoms and rising risks of disinformation
Jordan joins the global media community in marking World Press Freedom Day at a time when journalism is facing serious pressure and growing threats.
This year’s commemoration comes as UNESCO’s latest report on global trends in freedom of expression and media development raises concern over the decline of freedom of expression and media independence worldwide.
According to the report, the world is witnessing a historic shift. Declines in freedom of expression of this scale have rarely been recorded, except during exceptional periods such as the two World Wars and the Cold War. This raises serious concerns about journalists’ safety and people’s ability to access reliable information.
Growing censorship and shrinking freedoms The report documents major changes in the media landscape between 2022 and 2025, including: -A 10% decline in the global freedom of expression index since 2012. -Self-censorship reaching 63% among media professionals. -A 48% increase in control over media outlets by governments and powerful actors, including newspapers, radio stations and digital platforms. -A 37% decline in academic and artistic freedoms.
The high price of journalism On this day, the world also remembers the heavy price paid by journalists while reporting the news. UNESCO data shows that: -310 journalists have been killed since the beginning of 2022 and up to September 2025, including 24 women. -162 journalists were killed while covering armed conflicts. -In 2024 alone, 82 journalists were killed. -At least 46 journalists have been killed since 2010 because of their work on climate and environmental issues.
Disinformation and hate speech during elections The year 2024 witnessed an exceptional electoral cycle, with elections taking place in 72 countries and reaching around 3.7 billion people.
A UNESCO and Ipsos survey covering 16 countries that held elections in 2024 found that: -Around 9 in 10 respondents were concerned about the impact of disinformation on the integrity and outcome of elections in their countries. - 67% of internet users in the surveyed countries had been exposed to direct hate speech on digital platforms. -UNESCO’s report also notes that hate speech is no longer separate from disinformation. It is increasingly linked to false claims, demonization, dehumanization and direct incitement to violence. Online violence and attacks against women journalists
The report also points to a worrying rise in online harassment, especially against women journalists. Drawing on research by the International Center for Journalists and UN Women, the findings show that:
-A 2020 survey of 901 women journalists found that 73% had experienced online attacks, while 20% reported offline abuse or harassment linked to online violence. -A 2023 study of 283 attacks found that online harassment was the most common form of abuse. - In 2025, 42% of women journalists said digital attacks had led to offline assaults, threats or violence, twice the level reported in 2020.
Technology and the challenge of artificial intelligence The growing dominance of major technology companies and the rapid spread of artificial intelligence are also among the biggest challenges to the sustainability of professional journalism.
The report refers to a survey of around 4,000 people in four countries, which showed that: -97% of respondents said they had at least a basic understanding of artificial intelligence. -More than 40% said they use AI to create content in general. -Nearly one third said they use AI to produce online content. -Despite this growing use, the report warns that these technologies could further marginalize professional journalism and increase reliance on content shaped mainly by algorithms.
A reason for hope: investigative journalism and digital access Despite these challenges, World Press Freedom Day is also an opportunity to recognize positive developments highlighted in the report:
-The digital revolution enabled around 1.5 billion additional people to access information through social media platforms between 2020 and 2025. -Investigative journalism has grown, with more cross border collaborative journalism projects and greater use of paid audience subscriptions as a sustainability model. - 96 out of 194 countries covered by UNESCO’s 2025 survey recognize community media in their legal frameworks, supporting media pluralism and diversity. -140 UN Member States have adopted legal guarantees for public access to information.
UNESCO’s call from Lusaka: Renewing global commitment to journalism, justice and accountability Ahead of its global World Press Freedom Day conference in Lusaka, Zambia, UNESCO called on governments, civil society and the international community to renew their commitment to independent journalism and the free flow of information.
UNESCO stressed that any policies related to peace, recovery or security must place information integrity and media freedom at their core. The Organization also warned that the decline of independent journalism creates space for corruption, injustice and lack of accountability.
UNESCO called for sustainable funding to support media institutions facing existential threats. Its analysis shows that just 15 days of global military spending would equal the level of investment needed to support journalism worldwide for a full year.
On this occasion, UNESCO Director General Dr Khaled El Enany said: “Newsrooms around the world are facing an existential threat as they struggle to cover their costs, even though they remain the last line of defense for citizens against manipulation and division in the age of digital disinformation. Free and accurate information is a public good, and I call on Member States and all our partners to invest in journalism as a key driver of peace.”
Jordan joins the global media community in marking World Press Freedom Day at a time when journalism is facing serious pressure and growing threats.
This year’s commemoration comes as UNESCO’s latest report on global trends in freedom of expression and media development raises concern over the decline of freedom of expression and media independence worldwide.
According to the report, the world is witnessing a historic shift. Declines in freedom of expression of this scale have rarely been recorded, except during exceptional periods such as the two World Wars and the Cold War. This raises serious concerns about journalists’ safety and people’s ability to access reliable information.
Growing censorship and shrinking freedoms The report documents major changes in the media landscape between 2022 and 2025, including: -A 10% decline in the global freedom of expression index since 2012. -Self-censorship reaching 63% among media professionals. -A 48% increase in control over media outlets by governments and powerful actors, including newspapers, radio stations and digital platforms. -A 37% decline in academic and artistic freedoms.
The high price of journalism On this day, the world also remembers the heavy price paid by journalists while reporting the news. UNESCO data shows that: -310 journalists have been killed since the beginning of 2022 and up to September 2025, including 24 women. -162 journalists were killed while covering armed conflicts. -In 2024 alone, 82 journalists were killed. -At least 46 journalists have been killed since 2010 because of their work on climate and environmental issues.
Disinformation and hate speech during elections The year 2024 witnessed an exceptional electoral cycle, with elections taking place in 72 countries and reaching around 3.7 billion people.
A UNESCO and Ipsos survey covering 16 countries that held elections in 2024 found that: -Around 9 in 10 respondents were concerned about the impact of disinformation on the integrity and outcome of elections in their countries. - 67% of internet users in the surveyed countries had been exposed to direct hate speech on digital platforms. -UNESCO’s report also notes that hate speech is no longer separate from disinformation. It is increasingly linked to false claims, demonization, dehumanization and direct incitement to violence. Online violence and attacks against women journalists
The report also points to a worrying rise in online harassment, especially against women journalists. Drawing on research by the International Center for Journalists and UN Women, the findings show that:
-A 2020 survey of 901 women journalists found that 73% had experienced online attacks, while 20% reported offline abuse or harassment linked to online violence. -A 2023 study of 283 attacks found that online harassment was the most common form of abuse. - In 2025, 42% of women journalists said digital attacks had led to offline assaults, threats or violence, twice the level reported in 2020.
Technology and the challenge of artificial intelligence The growing dominance of major technology companies and the rapid spread of artificial intelligence are also among the biggest challenges to the sustainability of professional journalism.
The report refers to a survey of around 4,000 people in four countries, which showed that: -97% of respondents said they had at least a basic understanding of artificial intelligence. -More than 40% said they use AI to create content in general. -Nearly one third said they use AI to produce online content. -Despite this growing use, the report warns that these technologies could further marginalize professional journalism and increase reliance on content shaped mainly by algorithms.
A reason for hope: investigative journalism and digital access Despite these challenges, World Press Freedom Day is also an opportunity to recognize positive developments highlighted in the report:
-The digital revolution enabled around 1.5 billion additional people to access information through social media platforms between 2020 and 2025. -Investigative journalism has grown, with more cross border collaborative journalism projects and greater use of paid audience subscriptions as a sustainability model. - 96 out of 194 countries covered by UNESCO’s 2025 survey recognize community media in their legal frameworks, supporting media pluralism and diversity. -140 UN Member States have adopted legal guarantees for public access to information.
UNESCO’s call from Lusaka: Renewing global commitment to journalism, justice and accountability Ahead of its global World Press Freedom Day conference in Lusaka, Zambia, UNESCO called on governments, civil society and the international community to renew their commitment to independent journalism and the free flow of information.
UNESCO stressed that any policies related to peace, recovery or security must place information integrity and media freedom at their core. The Organization also warned that the decline of independent journalism creates space for corruption, injustice and lack of accountability.
UNESCO called for sustainable funding to support media institutions facing existential threats. Its analysis shows that just 15 days of global military spending would equal the level of investment needed to support journalism worldwide for a full year.
On this occasion, UNESCO Director General Dr Khaled El Enany said: “Newsrooms around the world are facing an existential threat as they struggle to cover their costs, even though they remain the last line of defense for citizens against manipulation and division in the age of digital disinformation. Free and accurate information is a public good, and I call on Member States and all our partners to invest in journalism as a key driver of peace.”
Jordan joins the global media community in marking World Press Freedom Day at a time when journalism is facing serious pressure and growing threats.
This year’s commemoration comes as UNESCO’s latest report on global trends in freedom of expression and media development raises concern over the decline of freedom of expression and media independence worldwide.
According to the report, the world is witnessing a historic shift. Declines in freedom of expression of this scale have rarely been recorded, except during exceptional periods such as the two World Wars and the Cold War. This raises serious concerns about journalists’ safety and people’s ability to access reliable information.
Growing censorship and shrinking freedoms The report documents major changes in the media landscape between 2022 and 2025, including: -A 10% decline in the global freedom of expression index since 2012. -Self-censorship reaching 63% among media professionals. -A 48% increase in control over media outlets by governments and powerful actors, including newspapers, radio stations and digital platforms. -A 37% decline in academic and artistic freedoms.
The high price of journalism On this day, the world also remembers the heavy price paid by journalists while reporting the news. UNESCO data shows that: -310 journalists have been killed since the beginning of 2022 and up to September 2025, including 24 women. -162 journalists were killed while covering armed conflicts. -In 2024 alone, 82 journalists were killed. -At least 46 journalists have been killed since 2010 because of their work on climate and environmental issues.
Disinformation and hate speech during elections The year 2024 witnessed an exceptional electoral cycle, with elections taking place in 72 countries and reaching around 3.7 billion people.
A UNESCO and Ipsos survey covering 16 countries that held elections in 2024 found that: -Around 9 in 10 respondents were concerned about the impact of disinformation on the integrity and outcome of elections in their countries. - 67% of internet users in the surveyed countries had been exposed to direct hate speech on digital platforms. -UNESCO’s report also notes that hate speech is no longer separate from disinformation. It is increasingly linked to false claims, demonization, dehumanization and direct incitement to violence. Online violence and attacks against women journalists
The report also points to a worrying rise in online harassment, especially against women journalists. Drawing on research by the International Center for Journalists and UN Women, the findings show that:
-A 2020 survey of 901 women journalists found that 73% had experienced online attacks, while 20% reported offline abuse or harassment linked to online violence. -A 2023 study of 283 attacks found that online harassment was the most common form of abuse. - In 2025, 42% of women journalists said digital attacks had led to offline assaults, threats or violence, twice the level reported in 2020.
Technology and the challenge of artificial intelligence The growing dominance of major technology companies and the rapid spread of artificial intelligence are also among the biggest challenges to the sustainability of professional journalism.
The report refers to a survey of around 4,000 people in four countries, which showed that: -97% of respondents said they had at least a basic understanding of artificial intelligence. -More than 40% said they use AI to create content in general. -Nearly one third said they use AI to produce online content. -Despite this growing use, the report warns that these technologies could further marginalize professional journalism and increase reliance on content shaped mainly by algorithms.
A reason for hope: investigative journalism and digital access Despite these challenges, World Press Freedom Day is also an opportunity to recognize positive developments highlighted in the report:
-The digital revolution enabled around 1.5 billion additional people to access information through social media platforms between 2020 and 2025. -Investigative journalism has grown, with more cross border collaborative journalism projects and greater use of paid audience subscriptions as a sustainability model. - 96 out of 194 countries covered by UNESCO’s 2025 survey recognize community media in their legal frameworks, supporting media pluralism and diversity. -140 UN Member States have adopted legal guarantees for public access to information.
UNESCO’s call from Lusaka: Renewing global commitment to journalism, justice and accountability Ahead of its global World Press Freedom Day conference in Lusaka, Zambia, UNESCO called on governments, civil society and the international community to renew their commitment to independent journalism and the free flow of information.
UNESCO stressed that any policies related to peace, recovery or security must place information integrity and media freedom at their core. The Organization also warned that the decline of independent journalism creates space for corruption, injustice and lack of accountability.
UNESCO called for sustainable funding to support media institutions facing existential threats. Its analysis shows that just 15 days of global military spending would equal the level of investment needed to support journalism worldwide for a full year.
On this occasion, UNESCO Director General Dr Khaled El Enany said: “Newsrooms around the world are facing an existential threat as they struggle to cover their costs, even though they remain the last line of defense for citizens against manipulation and division in the age of digital disinformation. Free and accurate information is a public good, and I call on Member States and all our partners to invest in journalism as a key driver of peace.”
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UNESCO figures point to a historic decline in media freedoms and rising risks of disinformation
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