World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development
Journalism: Shaping a World at Peace
Since 2014, the World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development report has provided knowledge about developments in media freedom, pluralism, independence and the safety of journalists, as well as in media development. Published every four years, the report offers a unique and comprehensive analysis of key changes, opportunities and challenges while also outlining a path forward to address these issues.
2022-2025 Global Report
The 2022/2025 World Trends Report, Journalism: Shaping a World at Peace, underscores the profound role of free, independent, pluralistic, and professional journalism as a cornerstone of democratic life and as an indispensable condition for achievingthe Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Explore the WTR in data
The right to speak freely, access information, and criticize those in power is weakening. This decline raises urgent questions: Why are these rights eroding? What forces are driving these trends, and what are the consequences for democratic societies, public accountability, and equality? With just five years before the completion of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), where do we stand?
Freedom of Expression in Decline
The Global Freedom of Expression Index has fallen by 10% since 2012.
Self-censorship among journalists has reached alarming levels worldwide.
Governments & powerful groups intensified control over newspapers, TV, radio & digital media
The decline by 2.86% each year shows that it extends beyond journalism.
Journalist Safety Under Threat
The reports highlights the importance of strong institutional checks and balances, including robust and pluralistic legislatures and independent judiciaries, are essential to protect freedom of expression.
Between January 2022 and September 2025, 310 journalists were killed, including 24 women.
Between January 2022 and September 2025, 162 journalists were killed in conflict zones.
This marks the highest annual death toll since 2018, when 99 journalists were killed.
70% of environmental journalists report having been attacked because of their work.
Technology and Freedom of Expression
Most respondents surveyed for this study reported at least a basic understanding of AI.
Over 40% use AI for content creation, nearly one-third - to generate online content.
UNESCO–Ipsos 2023: 87% of people surveyed are concerned about electoral disinformation.
Victims are disproportionately LGBTQI (33%) and ethnic or racial minorities.
Positive Trends
≈ 1.5 billion people gained access to social media and messaging platforms, 2022-2025.
96 of 194 countries (49%) legally recognized community media by 2025.
Introduction of paid subscriptions signals positive trends within the media ecosystem.
Growth of investigative and collaborative journalism.
Freedom of expression and alternative sources of information index
The World Trends Report analyses the factors that affect freedom of expression, including government censorship, the harassment of journalist and restrictions on academic freedoms.
About the Authors
A former lecturer at the School of Journalism and a trainer for the World Association of Newspapers.
Currently, voluntary convenor of the African Alliance for Access to Information.
An expert from the Columbia Global Freedom of Expression initiative at Columbia University.
She is also a consulting fellow for the Digital Society Initiative at Chatham House.
She is also an Associate Research Professor at Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy.
Associate Professor at a school of government in Bucharest (SNSPA) and the founder of an interdisciplinary research center.
Her research focuses on voters’ digital behavior, impact of digital platforms on electoral campaigns.
Author of Social Media Exposed, on the use of social media data in the public interest.
It supports media organizations and innovations at the media ecosystem level.
She is widely recognized for her work in favor of human rights, promoting racial justice and equality.
Author ofDateline Earth: Journalism As If the Planet Mattered.
The Report is funded by UNESCO's Multi-donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists. Support our work, visit thewebsite.
