Report: News in Asia

“What is the state of the news in Asia? Through one lens, it has never been better. Through another, it is immensely challenged – and getting worse.

“It is tempting, especially for journalists embroiled in the day-to-day trials of reporting and publishing, to see their world as a glass half-empty. But on balance, there is still much to be optimistic about in reporting about, and from within, the region.

“Four decades ago the press in much of the region was muzzled, held in check by stern laws or controlled by interests close to the ruling elites. Few independent voices existed, and even fewer catered to marginalised and minority communities. Authoritarian, undemocratic governments were the norm, not the exception. And while a corps of foreign correspondents roamed across Asia, familiar frames of war, disasters, great power struggles and political intrigue abounded in their coverage.

“In the decades since, much has changed, and for the better.”

Visit https://newsinasia.jninstitute.org/ to explore the full “News in Asia” report from the Judith Nelson Institute for Journalism and Ideas, along with a foreword and key insights.

Photo by Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash.