Pakistani journalists stand firm for media freedom
10/11/25 A seminar marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists was organised by the Rural Media Network Pakistan in Ahmedpur East, pictured, reaffirming what the Network called the journalist community’s commitment to stand resilient in its struggle for press freedom, safety, and professional dignity. Delegates took a firm stance against recent amendments […]
African voice for independent ethical journalism
3/9/25 The 2nd Pan-African Media Councils’ Summit in Arusha, Tanzania, pictured, concluded with a commitment to promote inclusive, rights-based media regulation across the continent, advancing credible, independent, and ethical journalism in Africa. Hosted by the Network of Independent Media Councils of Africa in collaboration with the Media Council of Tanzania, the gathering brought together representatives […]
London journalists in solidarity with murdered colleagues in Gaza
23/8/25 Following the recent killing of five Al Jazeera staff and a freelance photojournalist by Israeli forces in Gaza, journalists held a vigil outside 10 Downing Street in London – part of vigils and protests being staged by members of the National Union of Journalists across the UK and Ireland. Penny Quinton, chair of London Freelance […]
Death of Kenyan blogger sparks angry protests
14/7/25 The deputy police chief in Kenya, Eliud Lagat, has stepped aside to allow investigations into the death of a blogger, Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody under controversial circumstances, prompting public anger and street protests, see picture. He had been detained over a post on X critical of Mr Lagat, including allegations he […]
Indian journalists warn of creeping surveillance
Journalists in India have expressed alarm at plans by the state government in Maharashtra to set up a ‘media monitoring’ centre that will keep tabs on news coverage related to the authorities across print, electronic, social and digital mediums. Details contained in a published Government Resolution said the monitoring body will classify news as either […]
We condemn libel charges against Samoan journalist
27/5/25 The Commonwealth Journalists Association has deplored the filing of a criminal libel charge against a senior Samoan journalist and urged the government of Samoa to repeal the country’s criminal defamation legislation to comply with internationally-recognised good practice. “The Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiame Naomi Mataafa, is currently Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth. The CJA urges her […]
Pakistani journalists in targetted killings
02/06/25 The journalistic community in Pakistan is mourning the deaths of two more colleagues in the space of a week, amid calls for greater recognition of the dangers journalists face in doing their work. Abdul Latif Baloch, pictured left, known for his reporting on human rights violations, was killed in Balochistan, in his home area […]
The vital difference between mainstream and social media
Roger Mosey, centre, with Winston Mano, Director of the Africa Media Centre, University of Westminster, left, and CJA UK President Raymond Whitaker. The media industry – what is now called the mainstream or legacy media – has to “stand firm” against the influence of social media rather than trying to imitate it. This was the […]
David Page, passionate defender of media freedom
By WILLIAM CRAWLEY Dr David Page, senior fellow of the Institute for Commonwealth Studies, former editor and manager in the BBC South Asian Services, and a driving force of the Commonwealth Journalists Association, has died aged 80. He joined the BBC in 1972 as Programme Organiser of the BBC Urdu Service. He had graduated from […]
The “dismal record” on media freedom
By OREN GRUENBAUM, of the editorial board of the Round Table, the Commonwealth’s journal of international affairs, where this article first appeared. More people than ever before will vote this year – half of the world’s population in more than 80 countries. But free speech – the very lifeblood of democracies – is increasingly under threat as governments […]