Deciding who decides which news is fake

Authorities decry the proliferation of misinformation and propaganda on the internet, and technology companies are wrestling with various measures to combat fake news. But addressing the problem without infringing on the right to free expression and the free flow of information is extremely thorny, Courtney C. Radsch, CPJ Advocacy Director, explains.

Journalism under fire: challenges of our times

Traditionally, the news media has been the key generator of journalism for societies. But developments of the last decade are changing this picture.

A new shadow over freedom of the press

The spreading of fake news, lies, and hate speech on social media platforms is in itself a highly alarming phenomenon, but it is also a great and dangerous threat to the freedom of the press and professional news organisations, writes Marcelo Rech, President of the World Editors Forum and Editorial Vice-President of Brazil’s Grupo RBS.

The success story of La Presse’s move from print to tablet

Last week, our Spanish member association AEDE held their annual conference. One of the lead speakers was Guy Crevier, President and Editor of Canadian La Presse, who detailed the turnaround of the title’s business model, and shared the very encouraging numbers of its success.

Top 2017 New Year’s resolution: help keep the British press free

A public consultation launched by the UK government and ending on 10 January could have chilling consequences to press freedom both in Britain and around the world. We encourage all those passionate about freedom of expression to make their voice heard by joining the campaign #FreethePress.

Cracking the engagement nut at the Financial Times

News publishers around the world are working hard to improve the metrics they use to measure and understand their digital reach and performance. One of the most high-profile examples is the Financial Times, which developed in-house an engagement metric to measure its audience size and behaviour online.

The 2016 Global Report on Online Commenting: Executive Summary

As more high-profile media organizations choose to shut down comment section due to trolls, cost and legal concerns, the World Editors Forum finds that the majority of news organizations it surveyed are still trying and a few are starting to reap the benefits.

This is the executive summary of the 2016 Global Report on Online Commenting. You may access other parts of the report here.

Review of press law underway in France raises concern

On 30 September the Senate completed a project of revision of the press law in force – which dates back from 1881 – with the intention to “repair more efficiently the abuses of freedom of expression”, and their potentially exacerbated gravity when the Internet is the means of publication.

Aftenposten criticises Facebook for deleting iconic war photo

Norway’s largest newspaper published today an open letter on its front page to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, attacking the company for having deleted a post containing the famous “napalm girl” photo.

Investigative journalism in the Caribbean: accessing information (Part 1)

Investigative data-driven journalism is as important as it is challenging in this unique region, which exists of so many small communities. Accessing official documents is extremely difficult, with no enabling legislation and a culture of self-censorship prevails. In this two-part article, we speak to professionals seeking solutions to overcome these challenges.