94Ha Viewpoint
The case for a free press is strong. When journalists can work unhindered, they perform important democratic functions: holding those in power accountable, scrutinizing government performance, and highlighting underreported events and viewpoints.
Yet press freedom is facing unprecedented threats, as journalists around the world face increasingly complex and rapidly changing pressures that are political, economic, and technological. Democratic governments must therefore remain steadfast in defending and promoting press freedom at home and abroad, and two new reports make a compelling case for these efforts.
The first report, published by the Media Freedom Coalition, a coalition of 51 countries across six continents, illustrates the broad societal benefits of a free press. For example, a free press is essential for a functioning democracy and economy. This seems obvious, since markets need steady, reliable information about companies and their financial performance. But the evidence is even stronger: One study cited in the Coalition report found that companies under the media spotlight were less likely to fudge their financial statements. Another study showed that journalists are effective at detecting corporate fraud, sometimes more effectively than financial regulators.
Another key area where independent media have shown great value is health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, high-quality news organizations have played an indispensable role in spreading accurate information and debunking misinformation about the coronavirus. In addition, media coverage can help to bring health issues, which are often stigmatized by society, to the attention they deserve and put them on the public policy agenda. For example, one study found that developing countries with freer presses were more likely to have government leaders committed to curbing HIV and the virus.
Investigative journalists have also long uncovered environmental crimes and continue to report on important news about climate change and related issues, such as air pollution and illegal fishing. The Media Freedom Coalition report also highlighted evidence that press freedom is positively correlated with faster adoption of renewable energy.
A report released in July by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) showed that media freedom is also an important factor in security. For example, the report explains the importance of independent media in both exposing false narratives that could mislead people to support conflict and ensuring that disputes are resolved peacefully.
Of course, free media are valuable in their own right, as freedom of expression is a fundamental human right and arguably the foundation of all other rights. After all, how can governments uphold human rights if no one is there to investigate and expose violations? Evidence from the Media Freedom Coalition and OSCE, of which Estonia is a co-chair, can help policymakers and activists make the irrefutable case that media freedom is essential for healthy and thriving societies.
The Media Freedom Coalition is working to do just that. The two Co-Chairs, Estonia and Germany, work with governments, civil society, the media and legal sectors, and multilateral organizations such as UNESCO to develop interventions to support journalists at risk and advocate for policies that protect journalists’ right to report, while also developing norms to address emerging challenges such as transnational repression.
Diplomacy plays a vital role in this regard. As Estonia’s Ambassador-at-Large for Human Rights and Migration, I have seen first-hand how embassies can be an important tool for governments to promote media freedom. Diplomats are well-positioned to advocate for press freedom and support host governments in implementing relevant reforms, both publicly and privately.
However, effective diplomacy must be backed by concrete action. This can take many forms, such as increasing funding for independent media, reforming domestic legislation to promote press freedom, or providing emergency visas and safe havens for journalists at risk. Estonia, ranked sixth in the latest World Press Freedom Index, is proud to have done just that.
Suppression of press freedom undermines human rights and prevents societies from reaching their full potential. But the case for protecting media freedom has never been stronger. Now, democracies, including members of the Media Freedom Coalition, have a responsibility to make that point louder than ever.
