Conditions for reporters worldwide reached their worst level in more than a decade last year, according to a new analysis by Freedom House, and so far this year, 24 journalists have been killed and 159 are imprisoned, according to Reporters Without Borders.
But Freedom House’s report also showed a slight improvement in press freedom in sub-Saharan Africa. In Burkina Faso earlier this year, journalist Issa Lohé Konaté was released from jail. “This was hugely significant because it wasn’t outsiders coming in. It was a 100% African decision, reached through African institutions and African judges sitting in [court in] Tanzania,” said Peter Noorlander from the Media Legal Defence Initiative, an NGO which represented Konaté.
The picture on the whole continent is mixed. While there has been progress in some countries such as Tunisia, this has been undermined by chaos in places like Libya and Syria, and harsh censorship in Eritrea and Ethiopia.
Meanwhile in Venezuela, the government has denied licences to independent radio and television stations and imposed fines on opposition-run media, according to the Economist.
Given that a free press is a central pillar of any well-functioning democracy, and crucial for calling out corruption and inequality, how can development professionals nurture the media? How can a diverse range of voices be represented? Can state-owned media be trusted? And how can privately owned media be independent and unbiased?
Join an expert panel on Wednesday 6 May, 1–3pm BST, to discuss these questions and more.
The live chat is not video or audio-enabled but will take place in the comments section (below). Get in touch via globaldevpros@theguardian.com or @GuardianGDP on Twitter to recommend someone for our expert panel. Follow the discussion using the hashtag #globaldevlive.
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