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.

Press freedom groups unite over Cambodia-Thailand border clash coverage

Press freedom groups unite over Cambodia-Thailand border clash coverage

 Published 8 months ago:  Press freedom organizations demand safety for journalists and accurate reporting following the recent Cambodia-Thailand border clashes.

Afghanistan: Taliban arrest at least seven journalists in July

Afghanistan: Taliban arrest at least seven journalists in July

 Published 8 months ago:  The Taliban's recent crackdown on Afghan journalists has led to the arrest of at least seven media workers, raising concerns over press freedom.

Wall Street Journal to plead not guilty to unlawful dismissal of HKJA Chair

Wall Street Journal to plead not guilty to unlawful dismissal of HKJA Chair

 Published 9 months ago:  The Wall Street Journal plans to plead not guilty in the unlawful dismissal case of HKJA Chair Selina Cheng, with a trial set for December 2025.

Kazakhstan bars 16 journalists in latest blow to press freedom

Kazakhstan bars 16 journalists in latest blow to press freedom

 Published 9 months ago:  Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry has barred 16 journalists from Radio Azzatyq, raising concerns for press freedom in the country following previous incidents.

Bangladeshi journalist Khandaker Shah Alam killed in retaliation for reporting

Bangladeshi journalist Khandaker Shah Alam killed in retaliation for reporting

 Published 9 months ago:  Khandaker Shah Alam, a Bangladeshi journalist, was killed in a targeted attack for his reporting, highlighting dangers faced by media workers in Bangladesh.

Journalist burned alive while reporting Kathmandu protest

Journalist burned alive while reporting Kathmandu protest

 Published last year:  Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was tragically burned alive during a protest in Kathmandu, leading to widespread condemnation and calls for justice.

Digital journalist arrested for corruption reporting in India

Digital journalist arrested for corruption reporting in India

 Published last year:  Digital journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumder was arrested in India for covering a protest against alleged corruption at the Assam Co-Operative Bank.

Many journalists attacked while covering anti-military protests in Indonesia

Many journalists attacked while covering anti-military protests in Indonesia

 Published last year:  Indonesia is urged to hold accountable police officers who attacked journalists during anti-military protests, hindering press freedom.

Severed pig head sent to Indonesian news outlet as president attacks foreign-funded media

Severed pig head sent to Indonesian news outlet as president attacks foreign-funded media

 Published last year:  The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the delivery of a severed pig's head to Indonesian news outlet Tempo amid government attacks on foreign-funded media.

Journalist killed in India after land sales report

Journalist killed in India after land sales report

 Published last year:  Journalist Raghvendra Bajpai was killed in a targeted attack in Uttar Pradesh, believed to be linked to his reporting on land sales irregularities.

Independent journalist targeted by Malaysian authorities in sting operation

Independent journalist targeted by Malaysian authorities in sting operation

 Published last year:  Malaysian authorities arrest investigative journalist B. Nantha Kumar, raising concerns about press freedom and corruption in Malaysia.

Media Council Bill passed in lower house in Malaysia

Media Council Bill passed in lower house in Malaysia

 Published last year:  The Dewan Rakyat in Malaysia passes the Media Council Bill, empowering journalists and promoting media independence and ethical standards.

Social media law threatens free expression in Nepal

Social media law threatens free expression in Nepal

 Published last year:  Nepal's new social media law faces backlash for potentially infringing on free expression and press freedoms, prompting calls for immediate withdrawal.

Sri Lanka: No justice for Lasantha Wickrematunge as murder suspects released

Sri Lanka: No justice for Lasantha Wickrematunge as murder suspects released

 Published last year:  Sri Lanka's Attorney General orders release of murder suspects in Lasantha Wickrematunge's case, raising concerns over justice and impunity.

India revokes nonprofit and tax status of news outlets

India revokes nonprofit and tax status of news outlets

 Published last year:  The Indian government revokes nonprofit and tax statuses of news outlets, highlighting a disturbing trend against independent journalism.

Two Cambodian journalists detained over cyber scam torture video

Two Cambodian journalists detained over cyber scam torture video

 Published last year:  Cambodian journalists Duong Akhara and Lay Socheat were detained for publishing a torture video related to cyber scams, prompting calls for their release.

Taliban sentence Afghan journalist Sayed Rahim Saeedi to three years in prison

Taliban sentence Afghan journalist Sayed Rahim Saeedi to three years in prison

 Published last year:  Taliban sentences Afghan journalist Sayed Rahim Saeedi to three years in prison over anti-Taliban propaganda charges, amid concerns for his health.

CPJ calls on Pakistani authorities to end harassment, deportation of Afghan journalists

CPJ calls on Pakistani authorities to end harassment, deportation of Afghan journalists

 Published last year:  The CPJ urges Pakistan to cease the harassment and deportation of Afghan journalists who are fleeing Taliban threats to their lives.

Indian journalist who exposed corruption targeted with online smear campaign

Indian journalist who exposed corruption targeted with online smear campaign

 Published last year:  Indian journalist Anand Mangnale faces an online smear campaign linked to corruption allegations and political intimidation efforts by the BJP.

Malaysian mission takes key lessons from an innovative, vibrant Indonesian media

Malaysian mission takes key lessons from an innovative, vibrant Indonesian media

 Published last year:  Malaysian media representatives gained insights on innovation and sustainability during a recent mission to Indonesia, highlighting the need for reform.

Malaysian journalists protest amendments threatening press freedom

Malaysian journalists protest amendments threatening press freedom

 Published last year:  Malaysian journalists protest amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act that threaten press freedom and media independence.

Asia-Pacific leaders reaffirm gender equality goals at Beijing+30 review

Asia-Pacific leaders reaffirm gender equality goals at Beijing+30 review

 Published last year:  Asia-Pacific leaders reaffirm gender equality commitments and highlight Pakistan's initiatives for women's empowerment at the Beijing+30 review in Bangkok.

Journalist harassed with rape and death threats in India

Journalist harassed with rape and death threats in India

 Published last year:  Rana Ayyub, a journalist in India, faces over 200 threats after her number was leaked, prompting calls for accountability from authorities.

Philippines: Jailed community journalist testifies

Philippines: Jailed community journalist testifies

 Published last year:  Journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio testifies on illegal firearm and terrorism charges, highlighting challenges to press freedom in the Philippines.

Emerging media markets in South Asia: Opportunities, challenges, and future trends

Emerging media markets in South Asia: Opportunities, challenges, and future trends

 Published last year:  South Asia's media market is rapidly evolving with digital growth, challenging traditional forms while offering lucrative investment opportunities.

Kashmiri journalist Sajad Gul released on bail after two years

Kashmiri journalist Sajad Gul released on bail after two years

 Published last year:  Kashmiri journalist Sajad Gul has been released on bail after two years of arbitrary detention, raising concerns over press freedom in Kashmir.

The power of reporting: Thai media tackles climate change and pollution

The power of reporting: Thai media tackles climate change and pollution

 Published last year:  Thai media plays a critical role in addressing climate change and pollution, highlighting public health impacts and conservation challenges.

Cambodian Military Police arrest award-winning journalist Mech Dara

Cambodian Military Police arrest award-winning journalist Mech Dara

 Published last year:  Cambodian authorities arrested journalist Mech Dara, highlighting ongoing issues with press freedom and government repression in Cambodia.