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.
Civic freedoms report warns shrinking space for media
Published 4 months ago: A recent CIVICUS report highlights declining media freedoms in the Asia-Pacific, emphasizing increased repression of journalism and civic actions.
Vietnam expands state secrecy law, weakens journalist source protection
Published 4 months ago: Vietnam's new media law empowers authorities to compel journalists to disclose sources, raising concerns about press freedom and self-censorship.
Hong Kong warns foreign media after deadly Tai Po fire
Published 4 months ago: Hong Kong's national security office warns foreign media after a deadly fire, intensifying controls over reporting and public discourse.
Why Pakistan lags as foreign broadcasters choose India
Published 4 months ago: Foreign broadcasters favor India over Pakistan due to its market size, regulatory flexibility, and strong demand for international news.
India journalists attacked during corruption probe at RTO office
Published 4 months ago: Two journalists investigating corruption at a Madhya Pradesh RTO office were attacked, highlighting ongoing safety risks for reporters in India.
China detains veteran journalist Du Bin for third time
Published 4 months ago: Chinese authorities have detained veteran journalist Du Bin for the third time, highlighting ongoing press freedom issues in the country.
India scraps mandatory Sanchar Saathi app pre-install after backlash
Published 4 months ago: India's government has withdrawn the mandatory pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app on smartphones after widespread backlash from privacy advocates.
Kazakhstan urged to drop charges against Orda editor
Published 4 months ago: Kazakhstan's authorities face international pressure to withdraw charges against Orda editor Gulnara Bazhkenova following police raids and detentions.
Myanmar frees two jailed journalists in mass amnesty ahead of election
Published 4 months ago: Myanmar's military government has released two prominent journalists under an amnesty ahead of upcoming elections, raising concerns about press freedom.
Flood crisis in Southeast Asia disrupts media access and news flow
Published 5 months ago: Floods and landslides in Southeast Asia disrupt media access, complicating humanitarian reporting amidst rising death tolls and devastated infrastructure.
Hong Kong fire tests media safety, coverage and crisis reporting
Published 5 months ago: The Hong Kong apartment fire at Wang Fuk Court highlights challenges in media safety, crisis reporting, and fire code violations amidst tragedy.
India Supreme Court calls for an independent social media regulator
Published 5 months ago: The Indian Supreme Court mandates a new regulatory framework for social media, emphasizing stronger oversight and content safety measures.
Former editor urges China's media restraint amid Japan diplomatic row
Published 5 months ago: China's former editor advises media restraint in light of escalating tensions with Japan amid intensified state censorship and control.
UN alarm over India's media crackdown after Pahalgam attack
Published 5 months ago: UN experts express alarm over India's media crackdown following the Pahalgam attack, citing severe rights violations and repressive measures.
Politician booked for threatening journalist in India
Published 5 months ago: A Tamil Nadu politician has been booked for threatening a journalist, highlighting the risks journalists face in local politics in India.
Malaysia to ban social media for under-16s in 2026
Published 5 months ago: Malaysia will ban social media accounts for individuals under 16 starting in 2026 to combat cyberbullying and online exploitation.
GIJC25 opens in Kuala Lumpur with a call for radical collaboration
Published 5 months ago: The GIJC25 conference opens in Kuala Lumpur, highlighting press freedom concerns and the need for radical collaboration among journalists worldwide.
Malaysia PM urges fair pay for journalists amid low wages
Published 5 months ago: Malaysia's PM Anwar Ibrahim calls for fair wages for journalists, addressing the industry's low pay and demanding government action to improve conditions.
Kashmir Times raid draws concern over media pressure
Published 5 months ago: The raid on Kashmir Times highlights growing media pressure in Jammu and Kashmir, raising concerns among journalists and advocacy groups.
Asia sees rising press freedom risks amid China-style controls
Published 5 months ago: Press freedom in Asia is declining as governments adopt China-style controls, threatening independent journalism and democratic accountability.
Thai indictment of journalist sparks cross-border press freedom concerns
Published 5 months ago: The indictment of journalist Murray Hunter in Thailand raises urgent concerns about cross-border press freedom and transnational repression.
Thai court indicts Australian journalist over defamation
Published 5 months ago: An Australian journalist faces defamation charges in Thailand by Malaysia's MCMC for criticizing censorship, raising alarming press freedom concerns.
Myanmar junta targets media outlet as contributor remains jailed
Published 5 months ago: Myanmar's military charges AAMIJ News under election protection law as journalist Myat Thu Kyaw remains jailed, drawing international condemnation.
RSF awards spotlight rising threats to Asian journalists
Published 5 months ago: Reporters Without Borders has highlighted the alarming threats to journalists in Asia during its annual Press Freedom Awards, drawing global attention.
Fiona O’Brien appointed CPJ Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia
Published 5 months ago: Fiona O'Brien has been appointed as the new CPJ Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, effective February 2026.
Japanese publishers file AI copyright lawsuits, pressing industry-wide legal reforms
Published 5 months ago: Japanese publishers are taking legal action against AI companies over copyright disputes related to content training, calling for industry reforms.
OSCE hosts Central Asia Media Conference on Sustainability and Press Freedom
Published 5 months ago: The OSCE hosted the 25th Central Asia Media Conference in Tashkent, focusing on media sustainability and press freedom challenges in the region.
Beijing court upholds espionage conviction of journalist
Published 5 months ago: A Beijing court has upheld the espionage conviction of journalist Dong Yuyu, cementing a seven-year sentence amid rising government pressure on the press.

