Berlin, Germany - August 2016: Colorful and interesting collection of european newspapers, periodicals, magazines in newsstand rack. Editorial credit: P Gregory / Shutterstock.com.

Media Freedom

The ability of journalists to report freely on matters of public interest is a crucial indicator of democracy. A free press can inform citizens of their leaders’ successes or failures, convey the people’s needs and desires to government bodies, and provide a platform for the open exchange of information and ideas. When media freedom is restricted, these vital functions break down, leading to poor decision-making and harmful outcomes for leaders and citizens alike.

Freedom House assesses the challenges for media and online freedom in its annual Freedom and the Media and Freedom on the Net reports. We support local efforts to defend freedom of expression and to promote the emergence of alternative media in countries where traditional media is restricted. And we assist embattled journalists, including those who investigate corruption and abuses of power.

A journalist covers the scene as several hundred people rally against television propaganda in front of state outlet TVP’s headquarters in Warsaw, Poland. Photo Credit: Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images.

Freedom and the Media 2019: A Downward Spiral

Media freedom has been deteriorating around the world over the past decade. Even in some of the most influential democracies in the world, populist leaders have overseen concerted attempts to throttle the independence of the media sector.

Attacks on the Record: The State of Global Press Freedom, 2017-2018

Press freedom is facing new threats in major democracies as well as in repressive states, where authorities are focusing their efforts on social media and other online platforms after subduing the independence of major print and broadcast outlets.

Featured Program: Our Media-M Program in Moldova

Through collaboration with partner civil society organizations in the country, Freedom House aims to boost capacity in civil society to effectively monitor media and to improve the legal and regulatory environment for independent media.

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Reports & Analysis:

Beijing's Global Megaphone

Special Report

January 11, 2020

Media Freedom: A Downward Spiral

Freedom and the Media

February 10, 2019

Attacks on the Record

Special Report

February 1, 2018

Pluralism Under Attack

Special Report

February 13, 2017

Press Freedom's Dark Horizon

Freedom of the Press

February 6, 2017

The Battle for the Dominant Message

Freedom of the Press

February 6, 2016

protester holds sign that says freedom is a right not a privilege hong kong china

Check out the China Media Bulletin

The monthly China Media Bulletin provides unique insight on censorship, media freedom, and internet freedom issues related to the People's Republic of China.

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