On World Press Freedom Day, the Society of Editors stands in solidarity with journalists across the United Kingdom, and around the world who hold power to account, expose wrongdoing and report, without fear of favour, on behalf of the public.

A free press is one of the central pillars of our democracy and a free, independent and sustainable media is not a luxury, it is a necessity. When journalism thrives, communities are better informed, governments are more accountable, and society is stronger and more resilient.

But while we celebrate the power and purpose of journalism, we must also confront the growing threats it faces. Around the world, journalists are being harassed, silenced and imprisoned, and it is devastating that 2024 was the deadliest year on record for journalists killed, according to statistics collated by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). 

As well as the threat of physical attacks and harassment, journalists across the globe face legal threats, legislative repression and obstruction in carrying out their role as well as the threat of online intimidation and abuse that has led to many in the UK considering leaving the industry as a result.

Prioritising journalists’ safety should be on the agenda of every government worldwide. Reporters have a vital role to play in holding power to account and exposing wrongdoing yet, too often, their work continues to be undermined by politicians and those in power that fail to protect and promote press freedom.

As well as governments and public bodies, technology giants, the police and civil society have a part to play in recognising the essential role that journalists play as well as the importance of accurate and verifiable news and information. In an age where falsehoods can spread faster than facts, the role of professional, trusted journalism has never been more important, yet this vital work is often undervalued, underfunded and misunderstood.

The growth of technology provides boundless opportunities for our journalism but left unchecked, it could also devalue original journalism and undermine growth in the creative sector. AI has the power to drive long-term growth in the technology sector but this must not be at the expense of content creators. In order to support both sectors, the government must enforce copyright, support a dynamic licensing market and prioritise control and transparency for content creators. Our creative industries need a government that is on their side – helping to build a world-leading AI industry that collaborates with, not undermines, the creative and news sectors.

It is time for a reset. Greater recognition is needed—not just of the threats, but of the immense value journalism brings to every corner of society. That value is evident not only in high-profile investigations, but in the everyday work of reporters across the country: the local journalist exposing corruption at council level; the court reporter ensuring justice is seen to be done and editors asking those difficult questions that need to be answered.

As our President, Sarah Whitehead, reminded us at our annual conference in March: “This is a profession that still breaks stories, changes lives, and changes outcomes and the brilliant and extraordinary British media should be celebrated.” At a time when the old world order is being turned upside down, she reminds us of the necessity of recognising how our stories and investigations change society for the better.

So today, we also issue a call to the public, to policymakers, and to all who care about a healthy democracy: support journalism, subscribe and protect and promote our extraordinary industry. Demand transparency and invest in truth.

To the UK government, we say this: the time for piecemeal action has passed. If you value accurate, trustworthy and verifiable news and information in the face of fake news, conspiracy theories and misinformation online, you must help promote, protect and sustain it. Regional and local news outlets in particular need support to adapt and thrive.

World Press Freedom Day should be a moment of pride, not just reflection. A day to acknowledge the risks—but to celebrate, too, the resilience, talent and tenacity of reporters, editors, photographers and producers across the industry.

At the Society of Editors, we will continue to fight for the freedoms that journalism needs to thrive, and for the trust it must continue to earn.

Press freedom doesn’t just belong to journalists. It belongs to us all.

Dawn Alford
Executive Director
Society of Editors