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.
Free Them All: A Political Prisoners Initiative
Free Them All: A Political Prisoners Initiative is a new Freedom House project intended to help free political prisoners and push back against the jailing of activists as a tool of repression. Located around the globe, the stories of these artists, journalists, and activists illustrate the significant pressures and harms that human rights defenders and pro-democracy activists face in reprisal for their work and why they need our support.
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.
Reports & Analysis:
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.
Freedom House in the Media:
Featured Experts
News & Perspectives:
China’s Censors Aim to Contain Dissent During Harsh COVID-19 Lockdowns | Opinion
Perspectives
May 19, 2022
Philippines: Marcos Administration Must Demonstrate Commitment to Voters, Enact Prodemocracy Reforms
Press release
May 10, 2022
If you would like to interview a Freedom House expert on this topic, please email [email protected].