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<p>The Global Index, released by Reporters Without Borders on 21 April, showed press
freedom improved very slightly around the world in 2019. While this is welcome news,
the threat to free media remains very concerning, and the overall trend is downwards.
There has been a rise in the suppression of media freedom by authoritarian regimes.
Online threats to journalists have also increased, including through governments imposing
blanket shut-downs and misinformation being used to target journalists. The COVID-19
pandemic has exacerbated an already alarming situation. There are examples of states
introducing disproportionate restrictions, silencing debate and abusing journalists.
Some states and non-state actors are seizing the chance to propagate disinformation.
Funding and advertising revenue has been significantly reduced, causing publications
to close and journalists to be laid off. Without action, much of the media on which
our democratic systems and values depend risks becoming another victim of the pandemic.</p><p>
</p><p>The UK press is among the most respected and free in the world. The government
recognises press freedom is fundamental to a healthy democracy and strongly supports
it. We are working to support a sustainable future for quality journalism in the UK
through the government’s response to the Cairncross Review, so that it can continue
to hold government and others to account.</p><p> </p><p>These efforts have increased
as we work to support the continued provision of news through the COVID-19 crisis.
The government has ensured that the press is able to carry out their essential function
at this critical time, designating them as key workers for the purpose of access to
educational places, and making sure that newspaper deliveries can continue. The Government
has also maximised the advertising we are placing in national and regional newspapers
at this critical period, in order to use their powerful, familiar voices and reach
on the government’s COVID-19 public information campaign.</p><p> </p><p>The government
has previously announced its intention to convene a National Committee and devise
a National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists. We remain committed to this
goal.</p>
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