The Erosion of Journalists’ Freedoms in a Time of Populism and Illiberalism

Gemma Horton Dr., University of SheffieldFollow

Abstract

Recently, Europe has seen the various freedoms that journalists enjoy becoming undermined by governmental efforts to regulate free speech and journalistic freedom. The role of journalists to report on all matters of public interest, a responsibility emphasised by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), is under attack during a time of escalating populist sentiment. This article will examine the importance of journalistic responsibility in relation to free speech in challenging environments that journalists are facing across Europe. Firstly, it will examine the typical role that journalists have played in society and the responsibilities that they hold. Secondly, it will focus on how the ECtHR has protected their freedom of speech and examine what the Strasbourg Court has said about the responsibilities they hold in society. Thirdly, it will look at some case studies in countries across Europe where a rise in right-wing populism is attempting to shut down critical reporting, analysing how journalists are responding to this threat and the impact that it is having on their responsibility to act as watchdogs. Fourthly, it will briefly examine the European Media Freedom Act and consider if this can help preserve freedom of expression for journalists across Europe. Finally, this article will reiterate the important role and the responsibilities that journalists have and why it is imperative that they are able to play this role in society and the dangers of what happens if watchdog journalism is silenced.

Type of Issue

Special issue

Recommended Citation

Horton, Gemma Dr. (2027) "The Erosion of Journalists’ Freedoms in a Time of Populism and Illiberalism," International Journal on Responsibility: Vol. 10: Iss. 1, Article 3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.62365/2576-0955.1160
Available at: https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/ijr/vol10/iss1/3