News

Press freedom mission in Kiev as death toll rises

As the death toll in Kiev rises following unprecedented violent protests, an international press freedom partnership began a mission to Ukraine last night to investigate journalists’ safety.

Global media bodies urge British prime minister to distance himself from press issues

International media rights organisations have issued a strongly worded letter to UK Prime Minister David Cameron urging him to refrain from publicly commenting on on-going criminal investigations into the Guardian.

Ice Hockey Federation promises unrestricted access for journalists during World Championships

In its response to a letter from WAN-IFRA regarding press freedom at the 2014 World Hockey Championships, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) reaffirmed that journalists will have free and favourable working conditions during the tournament.

2014 Golden Pen of Freedom awarded to jailed Ethiopian journalist

2014-01-27. Eskinder Nega, an Ethiopian publisher, journalist and blogger who is serving an 18-year jail sentence under anti-terror legislation, has been awarded the 2014 Golden Pen of Freedom, the annual press freedom prize of the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA).

Respected American journalist expelled from Russia

In the first occurrence of its kind since the Cold War, Russian authorities have expelled an American journalist and barred him from re-entering the country for five years.

12 news organisations protest kidnappings of journalists in Syria

Media representatives have sent a letter to leaders of the Free Syrian Army, calling for an end to the brutal treatment of journalists covering the country’s civil war.

Putin dissolves state news agency to make media ‘more effective’

Russian President Vladimir Putin unexpectedly dissolved a state news agency, RIA Novosti, along with its radio affiliate, Voice of Russia, on Monday. The move, according to RIA Novosti, “appears to point toward a tightening of state control in the already heavily regulated media sector.”

News organisations protest White House photo restrictions

After being locked out of too many events, journalists are boycotting the use of official White House photos. Last month, 38 news outlets united in sending a letter to the Obama administration, protesting its treatment of photojournalists.

Mandela, the media and a dark day in Kenya

As the world mourns the death of Nelson Mandela, Kenyan journalists are mourning the loss of media freedoms. Separate events, linked by a thread of democratic values.

Biden criticises Chinese government on treatment of American journalists

Earlier this week, Vice President Joseph Biden took a moment during his diplomatic trip to Asia to condemn the Chinese government’s treatment of foreign reporters. This comes after journalists from Bloomberg News and The New York Times have experienced delays in getting their yearly visa renewal. If the government does not grant the renewal, the reporters will be forced to leave China.