What's happened
2025 is the deadliest year on record for journalists, with 126 killed worldwide, mainly due to Gaza bombings. Assaults on U.S. reporters have increased, and at least 323 journalists are imprisoned globally. The U.S. president has publicly attacked the press, limiting access and funding.
What's behind the headline?
The escalation in violence against journalists in 2025 underscores a troubling decline in press freedom worldwide. The record number of killings and imprisonments reflects a broader trend of authoritarianism and conflict. The U.S. situation, with increased assaults and political hostility from President Trump, exemplifies how government rhetoric can embolden hostility toward the press. This year’s violence will likely lead to further self-censorship and a shrinking of independent journalism, especially in conflict zones like Gaza. The emergence of independent local outlets offers some resilience, but the overall environment remains perilous for media workers. The global trend suggests that without accountability, press freedom will continue to erode, impacting the public’s right to information and democracy itself.
What the papers say
AP News reports that 126 media workers have been killed in 2025, mainly due to Israeli bombings in Gaza, making it the deadliest year on record. The Committee to Protect Journalists highlights at least 323 journalists imprisoned worldwide and notes increased assaults in the U.S., where President Trump has publicly attacked the press, limited access, and cut funding for public broadcasters. The AP article emphasizes the importance of accountability for these killings. Contrasting perspectives from other outlets stress the political motivations behind some attacks and the resilience of independent journalism amid hostile environments, illustrating a complex global picture of press freedom struggles.
How we got here
The rise in violence against journalists in 2025 follows increased conflicts in Gaza and a global trend of press suppression. The Committee to Protect Journalists reports record fatalities and imprisonments, amid a climate of hostility from governments and non-state actors. U.S. media faces political attacks, impacting press freedom domestically.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Michael Brandon Lake is an American Christian worship singer, songwriter and worship pastor. Lake is a member of the Bethel Music collective and the Maverick City Music collective, and serves as a worship pastor at Seacoast Church in Charleston, South Car
-
Lauren Ashley Daigle is an American contemporary Christian music singer and songwriter. After being signed to the label Centricity Music, she released her debut album, How Can It Be, in 2015.
-
Nicolás Maduro Moros is a Venezuelan politician serving as president of Venezuela since 2013. His presidency has been disputed by Juan Guaidó since January 2019, although Maduro is the real president.