The hottest Press freedom Substack posts right now

Many people don't trust traditional media like The New York Times anymore. They are turning to other sources like podcasts and blogs for news.
Legacy media companies have lost readers because they often prioritize profits and sensational stories over accurate reporting.
Even big newspapers can make mistakes, and if they don't admit them or improve their practices, they risk losing even more readers.

There are serious concerns about how the current political climate could threaten the freedom of the press. Some politicians aim to make it easier to sue journalists, stifling critical coverage.
The possibility of government retaliation against journalists is high. Officials may use government resources to target those who publish unflattering stories about them.
Protests might be met with harsh responses from the government. There are fears that leaders will employ military force to suppress dissenting voices and silence activists.

The author feels a personal connection to the theme of journalism and censorship, using a horse race metaphor. They compare the competition between journalism and sovereignty to a race where sovereignty ultimately wins.
The situation highlights the struggles of journalists facing pressures from those in power, making it hard for them to do their jobs. This reflects on the broader challenges of freedom of the press in current times.
The author expresses a sense of loss and uncertainty about the future of journalism, especially after losing their job and witnessing the challenges faced by their former boss. This personal experience adds emotional weight to the commentary on press freedom.

Journalists face serious risks when reporting on sensitive topics like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including censorship and detention. Many are afraid to share their experiences due to potential repercussions.
There's a significant level of harsh rhetoric and actions from some Israelis against Palestinians, which reflects a broader aggressive attitude. This rhetoric often goes hand-in-hand with verbal and physical attacks against those advocating for Palestinian rights.
The treatment of journalists and activists in Israel shows a strong divide in how dissent is handled, with severe consequences for those who speak out. This creates an environment where people are discouraged from sharing their truths out of fear of retaliation.

The release includes reports on corruption involving former president of Paraguay, Horacio Cartes and current president Santiago Peña.
The leaked documents from Paraguay's financial intelligence unit led to the United States cutting off information sharing with Seprelad.
Journalists in Paraguay faced intimidation and legal action for reporting on the leaked Seprelad documents.

Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Event to be moderated by Chris Hedges in London with guests discussing Julian Assange's extradition appeal
Julian Assange faces a potential 175-year sentence in the US for exposing war crimes
Support for Assange's freedom campaign from various organizations and individuals globally

Julian Assange faces his final appeal for extradition, which could silence investigations into government power by press.
Assange published classified documents revealing U.S. war crimes, leading to his persecution under charges violating the Espionage Act.
The legal battle reflects a complex situation with questions of press freedom, unfair trial, and the future of investigative journalism.

President Biden's cognitive decline raises concerns about government accountability and media's role in informing the public.
Past presidents like Trump have also faced scrutiny over the transparency of their health reports.
The media's silence on Biden's decline contrasts with the constant coverage of Trump's weaknesses, and calls for a more transparent approach to informing voters.