Easten Mediatech
A worrying global reversal
UNESCO's new biennial report says 189 journalists were killed in 2024 and 2025.
Its measured impunity rate for journalist killings rose to 86%, from 85% in the previous period.
The report describes this as the first reversal in the global impunity trend since tracking began in 2012.
These figures concern recorded killings and justice outcomes; they are not a count of all threats to media workers.
Conflict zones carry much of the danger
UNESCO says 127 of those killed in the two-year period were working in conflict zones.
It also reports that impunity in non-conflict countries continued to decline over the longer term.
Both facts matter: a global headline can hide very different conditions across regions.
Readers should avoid treating one percentage as a complete measure of press freedom everywhere.
Why audiences and brands should care
Journalists provide verified information that citizens and businesses use to make decisions.
When violence goes unpunished, reporting on difficult subjects can become more dangerous and less visible.
A brand cannot build lasting trust by amplifying unverified claims simply because they are trending.
Media teams should check origin, date and evidence before reusing a claim in campaigns or public messaging.
A practical standard for communication
Link to original reporting and primary documents instead of stripping away the source.
Correct errors openly and avoid presenting opinion or allegations as established fact.
Support independent verification where possible; safety and accountability serve the public's right to know.