International media leaders have signalled their deep concern with the US administration’s persistent attacks on the press in a letter addressed to President Donald Trump.
International media leaders have signalled their deep concern with the US administration’s persistent attacks on the press by calling on US President Donald Trump to halt his ‘fake news’ accusations and to ensure White House briefings remain accessible to all media.
Never in recent history, have not just freedom of expression, but the expression of truth, been under such threat on a global scale, warned World Editors Forum President Marcelo Rech at a UNESCO colloquium in Paris on Journalism Under Fire. To get through the current crisis, tech companies need to recognise and value professional journalism above other content.
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.
Traditionally, the news media has been the key generator of journalism for societies. But developments of the last decade are changing this picture.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.