A Vital Report on Trends in Media Freedom and Its Link with the Future of Democracy

Abstract

UNESCO’s report World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development is aimed at creating a heightened awareness about human development, media freedom and public access to information for which an enabling environment hinges on peoples’ awareness and participation. The report is like a tool for implementing UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which have a deadline of 2030. It reaffirms that an impartial and responsible media will thrive only in a just and sensible society with good governance, strong democratic institutions, and a healthy media landscape. It calls for media pluralism, diverse, transparent and non-monopolistic ownership, and a healthy communication environment. The report warns of authoritarianism of governments and goes on to show that the issue of media independence matters for both protecting freedom of speech and democracy.