Information integrity is achievable only with an independent, free and pluralistic media.

 

 A free press underpins the rule of law and serves as a cornerstone of democratic societies, enabling an informed civic discourse, holding power to account and protecting human rights. The press can be considered free wherever journalists and media workers—including women and those in vulnerable and marginalized situations—are consistently at liberty to report and operate safely and openly, and all individuals have consistent access to pluralistic and reliable sources of news. The media have a particular role and responsibility in providing reliable and accurate information and mitigating risks to information spaces. However, press freedom faces significant and sustained threats around the world despite the right to freedom of expression, including free, uncensored and unhindered press or other media. Media workers face online and offline harassment, threats and violence, leading at times to self-censorship and heightening professional risk. At the same time, the news industry has suffered from the migration of advertising revenue to the digital space, which is dominated by large technology companies. These factors have allowed corporate interests to further tighten their grip on media outlets, threatening media diversity and undermining local and public interest journalism. Where editorial standards are not robustly upheld, media outlets can drive and amplify risks to information integrity, which can cross-pollinate between online and offline spaces. Robust and urgent responses are needed to support public interest news organizations, journalists and media workers, acknowledging contexts with limited media infrastructure where citizen journalists provide a vital service for local constituents. Such responses can include robust and sustained media development assistance, utilizing local implementers. States and technology companies wield considerable influence in shaping information flows and policy and should strengthen efforts to ensure press freedom and the immutable safety of journalists.