Artificial Independence: South Asia Press Freedom Report 2023-24

To mark World Press Freedom Day on May 3, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), on behalf of the South Asia Media Solidarity Network (SAMSN), releases its 22nd annual South Asia Press Freedom Report, entitled 'Artificial Independence: The Fight to Save Media and Democracy'.

The IFJ's South Asia Press Freedom Report for 2023-2024 (SAPFR 23-24),Artificial Independence: The Fight to Save Media and Democracy', ​explores the complex interactions between democracy, media economies, and the fundamental freedoms of the press and expression across the eight nations of South Asia from May 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024. Produced with support from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Norsk Journalistlag (NJ), European Commission (EC), and National Endowment for Democracy (NED), the report highlights struggles for the future of media amidst state crackdowns, political polarisation, challenges to democratic rights, lack of media sustainability, and economic turmoil.

Read the online report here.

Individual chapters are also available to download below:

• Overview & Special Reports
• Afghanistan
• Bangladesh
• Bhutan
• India
• Maldives
• Nepal
• Pakistan
• Sri Lanka