One thing concerns us in particular: the growing trust placed by some of the public in “influencers”, such as the podcaster Joe Rogan in the United States. These influencers now position themselves as the new voices of authority, with no legitimacy other than their audience size.
We must acknowledge a reality: our readers, listeners and viewers increasingly doubt their own ability to distinguish truth from falsehood, as the Reuters Report has shown. Echo chambers are thriving, while hate speech and partisan narratives spread at viral speed. However, we remain convinced that information will cease to be a right for all – unless there is media pluralism, independence, and a strict respect for ethics. These are key solutions for tackling the manipulation of news and disinformation.
At the IFJ, we know that democracy cannot survive without a strong and independent press, as well as minimum safety guarantees for media workers and decent working conditions for them all. We also know it is our responsibility to support our colleagues – from Dakar to Mexico City, and from London to Jakarta – in the same fight for trustworthy and impartial information that serves the public interest.
We must stay united, support one another, and remain vigilant. These goals and this mindset offer the best shield against those who – out of ignorance, political calculation or the lure of profit – seek to silence uncomfortable truths.
Let’s continue to loudly, proudly and collectively raise the voice of journalists around the world. We must denounce each and every attack or crime that seeks to silence our colleagues and undermine the public’s right to know.
