Asia Media Watch

Stay ahead with our Asia Media Watch section — your premier source for the latest updates, breaking stories, and in-depth analyses of the media industry across Asia. Explore comprehensive coverage on press freedom challenges, newsroom developments, and emerging trends shaping journalism in the region. From investigative reports to expert commentary, gain a deeper understanding of Asia's dynamic media landscape.

China warns of retaliation over new US journalist visa limits

China warns of retaliation over new US journalist visa limits

 Published 2 days ago:  China warned it may retaliate after the US set fixed-term visas for foreign journalists, usually 240 days but generally 90 days for Chinese reporters.

Thailand urged to halt deportation of Chinese journalist

Thailand urged to halt deportation of Chinese journalist

 Published 2 days ago:  International groups urge Thailand to halt deportation of Chinese reporter Bai Zhaodong, saying he faces political persecution if returned to China.

Indonesia urged to reopen probe into journalist's murder

Indonesia urged to reopen probe into journalist's murder

 Published 4 days ago:  Press freedom groups urged President Prabowo to reopen the 2024 murder probe into journalist Rico Pasaribu and his family amid claims a soldier was involved.

Hong Kong arrests journalists in bookstore security raid

Hong Kong arrests journalists in bookstore security raid

 Published 5 days ago:  Hong Kong police arrested five people, including two journalists, after raiding independent bookstores and accused them of breaching the national security ordinance over allegedly seditious publications.

Independent newsrooms reshape Asia's media landscape

Independent newsrooms reshape Asia's media landscape

 Published last week:  Independent digital newsrooms in Asia are reshaping media by focusing on niche reporting, audience engagement, memberships, philanthropy and building trust.

Turkey crackdown ahead of NATO summit alarms journalists

Turkey crackdown ahead of NATO summit alarms journalists

 Published 2 weeks ago:  Turkish authorities detained over 200 people, including journalists, and widened protest bans ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, raising rights concerns over press freedom and civil liberties.

Indian press bodies condemn hurdles faced by veteran journalist

Indian press bodies condemn hurdles faced by veteran journalist

 Published 3 weeks ago:  Indian press bodies condemned hurdles in veteran journalist R. Rajagopal's passport renewal, saying the stalled process raises concerns for independent media.

Taliban smartphone ban further limits media access in Afghanistan

Taliban smartphone ban further limits media access in Afghanistan

 Published last month:  Taliban ban on smartphones for government employees across provinces limits journalists' access to official information and hampers public communication.

Taiwan condemns China over New York Times reporter expulsion

Taiwan condemns China over New York Times reporter expulsion

 Published last month:  Taiwan condemned China after reports that New York Times correspondent Vivian Wang was expelled related to a Lai Ching-te interview, raising concerns about press freedom.

The biggest threats facing journalism in Asia today

The biggest threats facing journalism in Asia today

 Published last month:  Asia's journalism faces AI-driven false content, economic and political pressure, eroding public trust, forcing newsrooms to tackle deepfakes and automation.

N3Con 2026 in Bangkok to focus on AI, media shift

N3Con 2026 in Bangkok to focus on AI, media shift

 Published 2 months ago:  N3Con 2026 opens in Bangkok to bring Asia's journalists and media leaders to examine how AI, misinformation and financial strain are reshaping newsrooms.

Maldives blackout protest spotlights media crackdown

Maldives blackout protest spotlights media crackdown

 Published 2 months ago:  Maldives Independent held a 12-hour blackout to protest the jailing of two Adhadhu reporters and alleged legal actions and raids that threaten press freedom.

UN complaint filed over Maldives journalists' detention

UN complaint filed over Maldives journalists' detention

 Published 2 months ago:  A UN complaint says detention of two Maldivian journalists on contempt charges undermines press freedom and raises due process concerns in Maldives.

UN raises alarm as Taliban detain three journalists

UN raises alarm as Taliban detain three journalists

 Published 2 months ago:  The UN said it is seriously concerned after Taliban authorities detained at least three Afghan journalists, amid reports of assaults and equipment seizures.

Taliban arrest TOLOnews journalists in Kabul

Taliban arrest TOLOnews journalists in Kabul

 Published 2 months ago:  Taliban authorities detained TOLOnews journalists Imran Danish and Mansoor Niazi in Kabul, raising international concern about press freedom in Afghanistan.

Vietnam faces renewed scrutiny over jailed reporter

Vietnam faces renewed scrutiny over jailed reporter

 Published 2 months ago:  Press freedom organizations renewed calls to free jailed Vietnamese writer Phạm Đoan Trang after Vietnam's low ranking in 2026 press freedom assessments.

New study reveals risks facing Indigenous journalists in Asia

New study reveals risks facing Indigenous journalists in Asia

 Published 2 months ago:  Study finds Indigenous journalists in seven Asian nations are underrepresented and face threats, censorship and economic exclusion covering land and environmental issues.

Indian journalists win Pulitzer for cybercrime probe

Indian journalists win Pulitzer for cybercrime probe

 Published 2 months ago:  Anand RK and Suparna Sharma won the Pulitzer for illustrated reporting that exposed the human cost of cybercrime and cross-border digital surveillance.

CPJ urges China to grant parole to ill journalist

CPJ urges China to grant parole to ill journalist

 Published 2 months ago:  CPJ urges China to grant medical parole to jailed journalist Dong Yuyu, saying he needs urgent treatment for a possible lung tumor and related heart problems.

Asia-Pacific press freedom falls as legal pressure deepens

Asia-Pacific press freedom falls as legal pressure deepens

 Published 2 months ago:  RSF warns Asia-Pacific press freedom is deteriorating; over half the region is classed difficult or worse and Pakistan faces sustained legal and regulatory pressure on its media.

Maldives raid on Adhadhu intensifies press pressure

Maldives raid on Adhadhu intensifies press pressure

 Published 2 months ago:  Maldivian police raided Adhadhu, seized devices and barred senior staff from travel after a documentary alleged presidential misconduct, prompting criticism over press suppression.

US-led crackdown dismantles cyber scam networks in Asia

US-led crackdown dismantles cyber scam networks in Asia

 Published 2 months ago:  A U.S.-led operation dismantled transnational cyber scam networks in Cambodia and Myanmar, leading to arrests, sanctions, and seizure of recruitment platforms.

Asia press freedom: A week of pressure and progress

Asia press freedom: A week of pressure and progress

 Published 3 months ago:  Across Asia, journalists faced growing legal pressure, expanded surveillance and attacks on media outlets, even as a key appointment boosted gender diversity.

South Asia sees 250 media rights violations in a year

South Asia sees 250 media rights violations in a year

 Published 3 months ago:  SAJF reports more than 250 media rights violations across South Asia, citing killings, arrests, censorship and digital restrictions that curb journalism.

Vietnam expands surveillance, raising media concerns

Vietnam expands surveillance, raising media concerns

 Published 3 months ago:  Vietnam is expanding state surveillance systems influenced by China's model, prompting concerns about eroding digital freedoms and risks to independent media.

Rights groups urge Kazakhstan to drop journalist cases

Rights groups urge Kazakhstan to drop journalist cases

 Published 3 months ago:  International press freedom groups urge Kazakh President Tokayev to halt criminal cases against journalists and overhaul restrictive media laws.

Thai minister sues journalists over bribery reports

Thai minister sues journalists over bribery reports

 Published 3 months ago:  A senior Thai cabinet minister has filed criminal defamation suits against two journalists over reports of alleged bribery, raising press freedom concerns.

SLAPP cases reshape journalism in Southeast Asia

SLAPP cases reshape journalism in Southeast Asia

 Published 3 months ago:  SLAPPs are increasingly used in Southeast Asia to target investigative journalists, drain newsroom resources and chill critical reporting.