In a moment marked by a global pandemic, economic downturn, and civil unrest, the media play an ever more important role in keeping the public informed on the issues that affect them most. Compounding the problems, the viability of news organizations is thrown into question, and the world urgently needs the international community to come together to defend journalists and journalism.
Guy Berger, UNESCO's Director of Strategy and Policies in the Field of Communication and Information
The World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development series is the UNESCO Communication and Information Sector's flagship publication, produced in response to a request from UNESCO's General Conference to monitor and report on developments in these areas. Since 2014, the series has offered a critical analysis of trends in media freedom, pluralism, independence and the safety of journalists. With a special focus on gender equality in the media, the report provides a global perspective that serves as an essential resource for UNESCO Member States, international organizations, civil society groups, academia and individuals seeking to understand the changing global media landscape.
The 2017/2018 global report was produced by an international team of researchers coordinated through a consortium led by the University of Oxford, the University of Witwatersrand and the University of Pennsylvania.
The Russian translation was produced by professors of the Moscow University Higher School of Economics. As the fifth language edition, the Russian translation demonstrates UNESCO's commitment to multi-lingualism online and to information accessibility.
In the time since the publication of the global report, UNESCO has published InFocus editions of the World Trends Report on media and elections in digital times, access to information and safety of journalists, with a preview of a forthcoming on media independence. An issue brief on journalism, press freedom and COVID-19 was published alongside the celebration of World Press Freedom Day 2020.
The World Trends Report series is supported by UNESCO's Multi-Donor Programme for Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists.
