News

Landmark freedom of expression cases in Africa test validity of criminal defamation law

The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights has delivered a landmark decision this month on criminal defamation, declaring custodial sentences a violation of freedom of expression rights. But in South Africa, a court has ruled that criminal defamation is constitutionally valid. Angelique Lu reports on these conflicting judgements.

Propaganda or alternative perspective, audiences are receptive of RT UK

Recently launched Russia Today UK had half a million viewers in its first week of broadcasting U.K. specific content. And RT UK has nearly double the number of U.K. viewers as Fox News according to BARB statistics. Audiences appear to be receptive of the Kremlin-funded channel, despite claims that it is simply a Putin propaganda vehicle. Ashleigh Tullis reports.

Digital Security and Source Protection: How secure is ‘the cloud’?

The rapid development of technology and personal data means that journalists and their sources are vulnerable to attack. A panel of cyber security experts staged recently in Paris, adddressed the urgent issue of digital security. Angelique Lu was there for the World Editor’s Forum.

The World Editors Forum offers republishable content to mark the first International Day to #EndImpunity for Crimes Against Journalists

November 2nd is the first United Nations International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. It is a day that draws together efforts to denounce threats to journalists and media freedom worldwide. WAN-IFRA and the World Editors Forum have curated editorials from leading editors designed to highlight some of the major actions taking place to mark the day.

Social media in ‘silent zones’: crimes against journalists and getting away with murder in realtime #EndImpunity

The recent murder of a Mexican citizen journalist who used social media to report on cartel activity has highlighted new dimensions in the killing of journalists with impunity: the exploitation of online virality by perpetrators, and the increasing risk posed to sources who ‘go direct’. Alice Matthews and Julie Posetti report.

Free Media Essential for Stability #EndImpunity (free to re-publish)

When Kenya’s First Lady stormed the newsroom of the country’s largest media house nine years ago and tried to slap a journalist, various questions were asked about her sense of decorum and the powers of the president’s family. Less prominent in the public discussion was a question which dominated Nation Media Group’s own internal review of the incident: What if the First Lady had a gun and had gone on to use it? Former Editorial Director of East Africa’s Nation Media Group, Joseph Odindo.

Killing of Journalists: The Show Never Stops #EndImpunity (Free to re-publish)

These days a number of senior journalists in Pakistan, including some editors, travel only in armour-plated bulletproof vehicles. In some cases they have armed security escorts. Zaffar Abbas, Editor of Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper, writes that a couple of them have survived assassination attempts.

Journalism trainers detained by Putin Government in St Petersberg

The Director of WAN-IFRA’s Newsplex Training Centre at the University of South Carolina, Randy Covington, was detained by the Russian Government last week while conducting a journalism training workshop with Joe Bergantino of the New England Center for Investigative Reporting. Bergantino penned this letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, first published in the The Boston Globe and reproduced here with permission.

#TAS14: Winners of first WAN-IFRA World Digital Media Awards honoured

Excellence knows no borders and the World Digital Media Awards showed that with a selection of the best of the best from around the globe.

Australia: New anti-terror laws all-but-enacted a blow to press freedom

Phase one of the enactment of a tougher national anti-terrorism regime is almost complete for the Abbott Government, with controversial new laws having gained Senate endorsement.