It is increasingly rare to find instances of direct censorship of media in the world today. But indirect censorship, called soft censorship, is thriving. It manifests itself through government pressure on media groups through advertising decisions and restrictive legislation. Less violent than kidnapping and murdering journalists, it is as existential a threat to journalism.

ARTICLE 19, International Media Support (IMS) and the World Association of Newspapers and News (WAN-IFRA) have written to the Supreme Court of Mexico to underline the duty of the State to adopt a clear and precise legal framework on public advertising and independence of the media.

‘Soft’ censorship is quickening an already serious decline in media independence in Montenegro. This is the conclusion of a new report published today by WAN-IFRA, the Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA), and the Montenegrin Centre for Civic Education (CCE).

The World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) and the World Editors Forum appeal for improved physical protections for journalists, an end to censorship and other pressures facing news media as 3 May, World Press Freedom Day marks yet another tragic year for the profession and reveals growing threats to freedoms from new challenges worldwide.