CPJ says 126 journalists killed in 2025 press freedom crisis

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 31 December 2025 |  JP Global Monitoring Desk

CPJ’s year-end review says 2025 ranked among the most dangerous years for journalism, with 126 reporters killed globally and escalating assaults, restrictions, and funding pressures.

Summary

NEW YORK — A year-end review by the Committee to Protect Journalists describes 2025 as one of the most challenging years for press freedom in recent history, marked by lethal risks for reporters and growing pressure on independent media worldwide. The analysis documents a record-tying 126 journalists killed globally during the year, underscoring the dangers faced by reporters covering conflicts and political unrest.

According to CPJ, the deaths occurred primarily in conflict zones, where journalists were exposed to military operations, militant violence, and weak accountability mechanisms. The organization said the scale of fatalities highlights a sustained failure by governments and armed actors to protect media workers under international law.

Escalating violence and intimidation

Beyond fatalities, CPJ reported a sharp rise in physical attacks, harassment, and intimidation targeting journalists. In the United States alone, CPJ documented 170 reported assaults on journalists in 2025, with most incidents linked to law enforcement actions during protests and public events. The findings point to an increasingly hostile environment even in countries with long-standing press freedom traditions.

The review also emphasizes that assaults and arrests often occurred while journalists were clearly identified as members of the press, raising concerns about compliance with constitutional protections and international standards. CPJ warned that such incidents can have a chilling effect on coverage of public-interest events.

Policy pressure and media viability concerns

CPJ’s analysis further notes that restrictive policies under the U.S. administration during 2025 reduced access and funding for media outlets critical of those in power. While the organization did not attribute all pressures to a single measure, it said cumulative policy decisions affected newsroom sustainability and limited journalists’ ability to report freely.

Globally, CPJ linked the rise in violence with broader trends including legal harassment, funding shortfalls, and barriers to cross-border reporting. The organization said these pressures collectively threaten the viability of independent journalism at a time when reliable information is most needed.

CPJ called on governments to strengthen protections for journalists, ensure accountability for attacks, and support independent media through transparent and fair policies. It said reversing the 2025 trends would require political will and renewed international commitment to press freedom.

KEY POINTS:

• CPJ recorded 126 journalists killed worldwide in 2025, tying the highest annual total on record
• Most deaths occurred in conflict zones amid warfare and political instability
• CPJ documented 170 assaults on journalists in the United States, largely involving law enforcement
• The review cites policy decisions that reduced funding and access for critical media
• CPJ warns of long-term risks to independent journalism and public accountability

ATTRIBUTION: Reporting based on the Committee to Protect Journalists year-end 2025 press freedom review and CPJ press freedom tracking data.

PHOTO: By Dylan Agbagni from Pixabay