#pressfreedom

[margueritesauvage]

Hello, here's the third and final cover I did for #ThePressGardian from @greenarchercomics about a courageous and smart vigilante female reporter fighting against disinformation and for press freedom!

[danielecheni18]

telesurtv #Israel carries out a new bombing attack on a health center in #Gaza, killing 20 people, including five journalists. This premeditated attack brings the number of media workers killed to 245. Zionist brutality seeks to silence the truth.

#Gaza #PressFreedom #Justice #ForGaza #Israel

[nolan-higdon]

Did the Media Help Cover for Epstein? Enjoy this clip from my conversation with Brian Karem on The Disinfo Detox

Catch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/1oFLwsRswac 🎧 Find it on all podcast platforms: https://linktr.ee/DisinfoDetox ▶️ Listen, watch, and subscribe here: https://nolanhigdon.substack.com/

[freesarcasm75]

Breaking News: The First Amendment Has Left the Building

This is the Pete Hegseth Era of “Freedom.” Where the Pentagon — once the symbol of strength — now cowers behind velvet ropes and Fox-branded paranoia. The Trump administration’s dream come true: a military command center run like a Mar-a-Lago cocktail party. Press access by invitation only, dissent by expulsion, and “questions” screened like TSA contraband.

Pete Hegseth — a man who treats authoritarianism like it’s a cologne — has decided that journalists are too dangerous to roam freely. Because clearly, the real threat to national security isn’t hostile powers or cyberwarfare… it’s someone asking a follow-up question that makes a propagandist sweat through his TV makeup.

This isn’t press management — it’s censorship cosplay with a MAGA twist. Trump’s idea of the First Amendment is basically “you can say whatever I approve.” And Hegseth’s idea of patriotism? Turning the Pentagon briefing room into an echo chamber where the only acceptable sound is bootlicking applause.

The message is clear: obedience or exile. Smile for the cameras, call Dear Leader “strong,” and maybe — maybe — you’ll get your access badge renewed. Otherwise? You’re out. Silenced. Branded “fake news.” This is the same anti-press tantrum that started on Trump’s campaign trail — now weaponized inside the halls of the U.S. military.

They’ve managed to take the First Amendment — the literal backbone of democracy — and twist it into a loyalty test. Freedom of the press, rewritten as “freedom to flatter.” It’s almost poetic, in a fascist Hallmark card kind of way.

So congrats, Pete. Congrats, Donnie. You finally built your wall — not at the border, but around the truth. And behind it? A sad little kingdom of cowards terrified of a microphone.

Journalists turn in access badges, exit Pentagon rather than agree to new reporting rules

Journalists at the Pentagon turned in access badges and cleaned out their workspaces, the price for refusing to agree to new restrictions on

[atithsinaiamonkar]

The Noise of the World: Where Truth Gets Lost

The front page of the News of the World's final edition on July 10th, 2011, bore a sad but proud "Thank You & Goodbye."After 168 years of captivating and scandalising the nation, the world’s highest-selling English newspaper was bidding farewell to its 7.5 million readers. The announcement sent shockwaves through the media landscape, leaving a trail of mixed emotions. While many mourned the loss of a beloved, albeit controversial newspaper, others breathed a sigh of relief, welcoming the demise of a publication they considered a blight on journalism. The air was thick with the scent of nostalgia, laced with the lingering aroma of scandal and the bitter taste of betrayal, as the nation grappled with the complex legacy of the News of the World and its impact on the global society.

Free media, the fourth pillar of a vibrant democracy, acts as a public forum, facilitating the exchange of ideas, fostering informed public discourse and empowering citizens to make informed decisions. By investigating wrongdoing, exposing corruption and bringing critical issues to the forefront of public attention, the media ensures transparency and accountability within the institutions that govern and influence the citizens. This crucial role necessitates adherence to a strict ethical and moral framework. Journalists are expected to prioritise truth and accuracy, strive for objectivity and fairness and respect the privacy and dignity of individuals. They must avoid sensationalism, misinformation and the covert manipulation of information for personal benefit or to serve vested interests.

The News of the World captivated its readers with juicy gossip and wild stories. The tabloid thrived on new scandals by meticulously building a network of sources, often through unethical and immoral means, to unearth exclusive stories about the private lives of celebrities, athletes, politicians and even the royal family. From illicit affairs and substance addictions to family feuds and personal tragedies, the News of the World seemed to have an insatiable appetite for stories that titillated and shocked its readers. This relentless focus on sensationalism, coupled with a knack for presenting stories in a highly dramatised, often exaggerated and melodramatic manner, propelled the newspaper to the top of the circulation charts, making it a formidable force in the global media landscape.

Much like the nosy neighbour who, under the guise of plucking flowers from your garden, spends more time peering into your windows than tending to her residence, today we seem more interested in the private lives of others than in addressing our concerns. This voyeuristic curiosity fuels the demand for some spicy news, driving media outlets to prioritise salacious gossip and scandalous revelations over in-depth reporting and investigative journalism. The red-top newspaper News of the World perfectly exemplified this trend. The insatiable appetite of the common public for such sensational content, driven by morbid curiosity and a desire for vicarious thrills, ultimately creates a market for unethical journalism, ensuring its continued existence and impregnable perpetuation.

This tabloid demonstrated remarkable investigative prowess, as evidenced by its exposé of the 2010 Pakistan cricket team's spot-fixing attempt and bringing the Ipswich serial murders to light. However, a disturbing disregard for ethical boundaries often overshadowed this impressive investigative acumen. The tabloid's fabricated story about a plot to kidnap Victoria Beckham, concocted solely for sensational headlines, highlighted a blatant disregard for truth and a willingness to manipulate public opinion. Furthermore, an attempt to honey-trap cricketer Shane Warne and expose his lustful bedroom adventures through an orchestrated sting operation exposed a deeply unethical approach to journalism, prioritising salacity and erosion of privacy over rational reporting.

The irony is that media has become more efficient and more prone to ethical lapses. The pressure to be first, to be louder and to capture attention at any cost has led to a decline in journalistic standards. We see this in the proliferation of clickbait headlines, the blurring of news and entertainment, the rise of opinion masquerading as objective reporting, and the unchecked spread of misinformation that has caused an information pandemic. Sensationalism reigns supreme, with tragic events exploited for views and profits. The focus has shifted from informing the public to entertaining them, often at the expense of truth and accuracy. This erosion of trust in the media has profound consequences for our democracy, leaving us ill-equipped to navigate the complexities of globalisation.

Notorious for chequebook journalism, News of the World was accused of paying substantial sums of money to laymen for exclusive scandalous and controversial stories. This practice raised serious ethical concerns and compromised journalistic integrity, as it incentivised sources to fabricate details to secure lucrative deals. Furthermore, it blurred the lines between objective reporting and entertainment, prioritising profit over truth. While no single legal framework governs chequebook journalism, ethical guidelines within the journalism profession generally discourage such practices. Critics contend that paying for information can create conflicts of interest, undermine public trust and ultimately distort the truth-seeking function and the very foundation of journalism as a profession.

Today, many reputed news outlets alarmingly rely on unchecked and unverified sources, compromising the integrity of their reporting. Paid paparazzi and gimmick promoters have become significant players in the news cycle and thrive in this environment. These sources often provide misleading or fabricated information, blurring the lines between reality and manufactured drama. This unchecked reliance on such dubious sources exposes the public to a deluge of questionable news, forcing individuals to become amateur fact-checkers, constantly scrutinising information for accuracy and bias. This not only undermines the media's credibility as a reliable source of information but also mounts a burden on commoners, forcing them to expend significant effort to discern truth from fiction.

The 2006 phone-hacking scandal exposed the darkest secrets of this tabloid. Investigations revealed a disturbing pattern of illegal activity, including the interception of voicemails belonging to celebrities, sports persons, politicians, victims of the 7/7 London bombings and even a murdered school girl, Milly Dowler.This widespread abuse of privacy, coupled with evidence of police corruption and a corporate culture that condoned such practices, ignited a public outcry and a series of high-profile investigations.The scandal tarnished the reputation of the newspaper beyond repair, leading to a loss of public trust, advertisers’ boycotts, and ultimately forcing Rupert Murdoch, the head of News Corporation, its parent company, to make the unprecedented decision to shut down the antique tabloid.

Many news outlets today cunningly craft headlines, use loaded language and manipulate punctuation, thereby manufacturing outrage and unrest. Their reliance on unchecked and unverified sources creates an environment where truth becomes a casualty. We are witnessing a subtle but insidious shift where media outlets consciously become accomplices in disseminating propaganda. This manipulation, fuelled by hidden agendas, seeks to influence public opinion, control narratives, and ultimately shape societal behaviour. As freedom of speech faces unprecedented threats, this erosion of journalistic integrity poses a grave danger to our democracy, leaving us vulnerable to manipulation and susceptible to the ulterior whims and fancies of those who control the flow of information.

As long as the targets of News of the World were celebrities, politicians or powerful people, the public remained largely indifferent. However, when the scandal's scope widened, and it became clear that ordinary citizens were being targeted, public outrage erupted, leading to the swift demise of the newspaper. We are often willing to consume the junk food of sensationalised news, oblivious to the long-term damage it inflicts on the health and well-being of our society. But when the guns of unethical media practices are turned on us, we quickly protest. The question is whether we will continue to be passive consumers of this junk feed or become more vigilant. The onus lies on commoners to choose wisely between the news and the noise of the World.

[worldwatcher3072]

Examining Democratic Norms:

Analyzing Concerns Surrounding Donald Trump's Policies

In the realm of politics, no figure has been as polarizing in recent memory as Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States. During his tenure from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021, his policies and leadership style elicited varied responses from the public and experts alike. While some praised his efforts, others expressed concerns over the potential erosion of democratic norms. In this blog, we will analyze some of the policies associated with Trump's administration that raised questions about authoritarian tendencies and their implications for democratic institutions.

Attacks on the Media: Preserving Press Freedom

One of the key tenets of a robust democracy is a free and independent press. Throughout his presidency, Donald Trump frequently criticized the media, particularly when faced with critical coverage. The "fake news" label became a common refrain, creating an atmosphere of hostility and mistrust towards journalists and media outlets. Critics argued that this rhetoric undermined press freedom and the role of the media as a check on government power, which is a crucial safeguard in democratic societies.

Executive Orders: Balancing Executive Power and Checks

The use of executive orders is a legitimate tool for presidents to implement policy decisions swiftly. However, Trump's administration was known for its extensive use of executive orders, sometimes bypassing Congress to enact policies. Critics expressed concerns that this approach could weaken the checks and balances system that ensures a fair distribution of power among the three branches of government. While executive orders can expedite decision-making, they should be used judiciously and in accordance with democratic principles.

Immigration Policies: Striking a Balance

Trump's approach to immigration was a central point of contention during his presidency. The "Zero Tolerance" policy, which led to the separation of families at the border, sparked significant outcry and accusations of inhumanity. Critics argued that it prioritized border control over humanitarian considerations and raised questions about how democratic societies should balance border security and compassion.

Rhetoric and Division: Fostering Unity and Inclusivity

Trump's rhetoric often targeted specific ethnic and religious groups, and his language against political opponents and critics was at times inflammatory. Critics pointed out that such divisive rhetoric could exacerbate social divisions and undermine national unity. In democratic societies, leaders are expected to foster inclusive dialogue and promote a sense of unity among citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.

Pardons and Self-Pardoning: Upholding the Rule of Law

The presidential pardon power is an essential element of the U.S. Constitution, allowing presidents to grant clemency to individuals convicted of federal crimes. However, some of Trump's controversial pardons raised questions about the potential abuse of this power for political purposes. Additionally, discussions about the possibility of self-pardoning raised concerns about the limits of executive authority and the need to uphold the rule of law.

The Trump presidency was a tumultuous period in American politics, marked by both praise and criticism. While his policies may have resonated with some, others raised valid concerns about potential threats to democratic norms. It is crucial for citizens to engage in informed and respectful discussions about the impact of political actions on democratic institutions. By upholding democratic principles, promoting inclusivity, and safeguarding freedom of the press, we can collectively strengthen our democracy and ensure that it remains a beacon of liberty and justice for all.

[saddayfordemocracy]

International day to end impunity for crimes against journalists

Over the past decade, a journalist has been killed every four days on average. Each year since 2016, more journalists have been killed outside of conflict zones than in countries currently experiencing armed conflict. 

A total of eighty-six killings of journalists worldwide have been reported between 2020 and the end of June 2021. The majority of killed journalists are killed in their country of nationality. Among the 400 journalists killed from 2016 to 2020, 22 (6%) were foreigners.

Impunity for crimes against journalists continues to prevail, with nine of ten killings remaining unpunished. The year 2020 saw a slight improvement, however, with thirteen per cent of cases worldwide reported as resolved, compared to twelve per cent in 2019, and eleven per cent in 2018. 

In many cases, impunity results from bottlenecks within the justice system itself.

Ending impunity for crimes against journalists is one of the most pressing issues to guarantee freedom of expression and access to information for all citizens.

While fewer women journalists are among the victims of fatal attacks, women are particularly targeted by offline and online gender-based threats and harassment. These attacks have increased significantly in recent years. 

Women journalists have identified political leaders, extremist networks and partisan media as some of the biggest instigators and amplifiers of online violence against women, according to the UNESCO discussion paper The Chilling: Global trends in online violence against women journalists, 2021, based on a major interdisciplinary study produced by the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ(link is external)).

In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, media workers around the world have also been subject to harassment, persecution and detention as a result of their work to keep citizens informed  about the health crisis.

Source: UNESCO and the UNESCO Director-General's Report on the Safety of Journalists and the Danger of Impunity, 2020.

[cupidwanders]

‪The law should SERVE THE PEOPLE. ABS-CBN is serving the TRUTH to the people. And now, you’re shutting down one of the main beacons of truth across the country just because the company is giving constructive criticism against the government?!‬

Imagine the government putting all its efforts unto shutting down a broadcasting company rather than putting it’s efforts to #MassTesting, to more MEDICAL CARE, and more aid that should be given to the country’s citizen suffering with the quarantine.

See what your so called government is doing, prying your attention from something more important - the fight for life - instead, the administration decides to fight against those who serve the people the TRUTH.

THIS GOVERNMENT IS SO FUCKED UP.

#NoToABSCBNShutdown

#DefendPressFreedom