JournalismPakistan.com | Published December 19, 2018
Join our WhatsApp channel
NEW YORK - At least 53 journalists were killed on the job in 2018, 34 of whom were targeted for murder in reprisal for their work, the Committee to Protect Journalists found in its annual analysis.
The numbers, which represent those killed between January 1 and December 14, make 2018 the deadliest year for journalists in the past three years, according to CPJ data.
Afghanistan, where extremists have stepped up deliberate attacks on journalists, was the deadliest country, followed by Syria and India.
The recent uptick in killings comes as the jailing of journalists hits a sustained high - adding up to the ongoing global crisis of press freedom. Amid the physical dangers to journalists, many world leaders are doubling down on anti-press rhetoric.
The year was marked by high-profile murders of journalists including Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, killed by Saudi agents in the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul in October.
In February, Slovakian investigative journalist Jan Kuciak was shot to death alongside his fiancé, the second murder of a European Union journalist covering corruption in less than six months.
In Afghanistan, a suicide bomber targeted a group of reporters, killing nine in a single explosion in April. The 34 journalists murdered this year compares with 18 murders in 2017.
The shooting at the Capital Gazette in Annapolis, Maryland, when a gunman shot dead four journalists and a sales associate in June, was the deadliest attack on the U.S. media in recent history.
"Murder is a form of brutal censorship that is disrupting the flow of information," said CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon. "People around the world are increasingly recognizing what's at stake. Political leaders must stand up, speak out, and deliver justice on behalf of the journalists who gave their lives to bring us the news."
CPJ's database of journalists killed in 2018 includes capsule reports on each victim and filters for examining trends in the data. CPJ began compiling detailed records on all journalist deaths in 1992. CPJ considers a case work-related only when its staff is reasonably sure that a journalist was killed in direct reprisal for his or her work; in a combat-related crossfire; or while carrying out a dangerous assignment. – A CPJ media release
October 12, 2024: A critical look at the increasing attacks on press freedom in Pakistan, from harassment of female journalists to violent assaults and unjust detentions. Despite condemnations, no action plan has been put in place to address these violations.
October 12, 2024: PFUJ strongly condemns adding journalists to NACTA's Schedule IV list, emphasizing that journalism is a profession and the fourth pillar of democracy, not a crime.
October 10, 2024: The Digital Media Alliance of Pakistan (DigiMAP) strongly condemns the inclusion of senior journalists on NACTA's Schedule IV list and calls for the immediate release of Ehsan Naseem, arrested after interviewing Manzoor Pashteen. DigiMAP demands respect for press freedom and journalist rights.
October 09, 2024: Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists slams PEMRA for issuing notices to TV channels over Karachi attack coverage, calling it pressure tactics and demanding immediate withdrawal.
October 08, 2024: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemns the closure of Daily 92's Islamabad office, which has caused widespread unemployment among journalists and media workers. PFUJ calls for the immediate reversal of the decision, criticizing management for irresponsible actions during economic hardship.
October 07, 2024: Geo News anchors criticize Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif for using the banned platform X to address the Karachi attack. Their remarks spark debate over the government’s selective use of banned social media. Read more about the ongoing legal case challenging the X ban.
October 06, 2024: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemns violence against journalists during a PTI protest and demands the immediate release of Faizan Hussain, a senior journalist detained by the government.
October 03, 2024: Veteran journalists condemn threats made by TLP leader Anas Rizvi against senior journalist Azaz Syed, urging the government to take immediate action to ensure his safety and protect press freedom.
October 09, 2024 The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the release of Kashmiri journalist Sajad Gul on bail after over two years of arbitrary detention. CPJ urges Jammu and Kashmir authorities to end the prosecution of Gul and allow media freedom in the region.
October 08, 2024 Mid-career journalists from the U.S. and abroad can apply for the Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowship at the University of Michigan. This prestigious fellowship offers a year of academic study with a stipend of US$85,000.
October 06, 2024 The International Labour Organization (ILO) invites journalists to participate in its 10th Global Media Competition, aiming to promote fair and balanced reporting on labor migration. Join the initiative to highlight the positive contributions of migrant workers and combat discrimination.
October 06, 2024 Explore how Thailand's media covers pressing environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution, and conservation efforts. This article examines the role of journalism in raising awareness and fostering public engagement on critical environmental issues.
October 06, 2024 Discover the essential techniques and tips for conducting successful sports interviews. This article explores how to engage athletes and ask the right questions to deliver compelling stories.