Blinken urges nations to do more to protect journalists

Authoritarian governments continue to use disinformation to undermine social discourse, says US Secretary of State

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday called on all countries to do more to protect journalists, reiterating unwavering support for free and independent media around the world, the State Department said in a press release.

In his message on World Press Freedom Day, he said that more journalists were killed in 2023 than in any year in recent memory. In their pursuit of truth, he added, journalists face unprecedented danger just for doing their jobs.

“Each year on World Press Freedom Day, the world celebrates the importance of journalism and recognises the integral role a vibrant, independent media plays in democratic societies,” he added.

Blinken said that the free flow of accurate information, ideas, and opinions, including dissenting ones, is essential for transparent, responsive, and inclusive governance.

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He said that authoritarian governments and non-state actors continue to use disinformation and propaganda to undermine social discourse and impede journalists’ efforts to inform the public, hold governments accountable, and bring the truth to light.

“Governments that fear truthful reporting have proved willing to target individual journalists, including through the misuse of commercial spyware and other surveillance technologies,” he added.

“On World Press Freedom Day, we call on every nation to do more to protect journalists, and we reiterate our unwavering support for free and independent media around the world.”