Felix Contreras’ Post

In the evolving landscape of American politics, a recurring topic among journalists is the potential implications of a second Donald Trump presidency. As the 2024 #election draws nearer, prominent media outlets have delved deep into this what-if scenario, analyzing its impact on ... https://lnkd.in/gBtFZgtc #AmericanPolitics #Authoritarianism #DonaldTrump #ForeignPolicy #MediaAnalysis #PoliticalSpeculation #Presidency

There is a lots of cynicism of political professionals towards journalists, and vice versa. But how should political parties view the press? In this week's PartyParty edition, in the build-up to our Political Journalism event tomorrow (register here: https://lnkd.in/esXc_Qfx), you can find pieces on * the adversarial relationship of politicians and journalists, by Paul Taylor: https://lnkd.in/ee5yG_j7 * why a constructively critical approach to the press serves political professionals better than a cynical one, by yours truly: https://lnkd.in/eRTzuHN6 * whether party magazines make a difference, by Florian Peschl: https://lnkd.in/e89dXZwc * the case for defamation legal actions, by Luis C Cano: https://lnkd.in/efkXhizM * and how much should parties rely on press relations, by Roza Ismailai: https://lnkd.in/e_se6vnx #politics #politicalparties #government #democracy #communication #pa #pr #mobilisation #journalism #media #innovation #elections #campaigns #campaigning #voting

World Press Freedom Day: Upholding Truth in the Face of Adversity. Every year on May 3rd, World Press Freedom Day serves as a reminder of the fundamental principles of press freedom and the vital role that journalists play in upholding democracy and transparency. It's a day to celebrate the essential freedom of expression and to raise awareness about the challenges faced by journalists worldwide. In Ghana and many other countries, press freedom is under threat. Journalists are increasingly targeted, attacked, and even killed for their work. They face intimidation, harassment, and violence, simply for daring to report the truth. In some cases, media outlets are manipulated and bribed to slant stories or serve political agendas, eroding their professionalism and credibility. One of the greatest threats to press freedom is the lack of independence and integrity in media institutions. Journalists are often constrained by the interests of their employers, especially in private media organizations affiliated with politicians and political parties. This compromises their ability to act as gatekeepers and hold power to account. Despite these challenges, journalists continue to bravely pursue the truth, often at great personal risk. They shine a light on corruption, injustice, and human rights abuses, giving voice to the voiceless and holding the powerful accountable. Their dedication to their profession and their unwavering commitment to truth-telling are essential pillars of democracy. On this World Press Freedom Day, let us reaffirm our support for journalists around the world. Let us recognize their invaluable contribution to society and stand in solidarity with them as they continue their vital work. Press freedom is not just a right; it is a cornerstone of democracy and a bulwark against tyranny. Together, let us defend and uphold it for the sake of our collective freedom and democracy. #chestersl #Writer #PR #stratecomm #PressFreedom #JournalismMatters #TruthOverSilence #DefendPressFreedom #DemocracyDefenders #StandWithJournalists #FreePress #WorldPressFreedomDay #SpeakTruthToPower #MediaFreedom

🎉 Celebrating World Press Freedom Day! 📰🌍 Today, May 3rd, marks World Press Freedom Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the fundamental principles of press freedom, defending the independence of media, and honoring the essential role journalists play in promoting transparency, accountability, and democracy worldwide. Press freedom is not just a privilege but a fundamental human right enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It embodies the freedom of expression and the right of individuals to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media, regardless of frontiers. On this day, we recognize the vital contributions of journalists, reporters, editors, and media professionals who tirelessly work to bring us news and information, often risking their lives in the pursuit of truth. They shine a light on injustice, hold those in power accountable, and give voice to the voiceless. However, the freedom of the press is under threat in many parts of the world. Journalists face harassment, censorship, intimidation, and violence for daring to speak truth to power. Attacks on press freedom undermine democracy, erode public trust, and limit access to reliable information. As we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to defending press freedom, protecting journalists, and upholding the principles of free speech and independent journalism. Let us stand in solidarity with journalists around the globe who continue to work tirelessly to keep us informed and hold power to account. On this day, we urge governments, policymakers, and citizens to: 1. Respect and uphold the freedom of the press as a cornerstone of democracy and human rights. 2. Safeguard journalists from harassment, violence, and persecution, both online and offline. 3. Ensure access to reliable and accurate information for all individuals, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or socio-economic status. 4. Promote media literacy and critical thinking skills to empower citizens to discern truth from misinformation and propaganda. 5. Advocate for transparency, accountability, and ethical standards in media governance and regulation. Together, let us defend press freedom, support independent journalism, and strive for a world where every voice can be heard, and every story can be told freely and without fear. Happy World Press Freedom Day! 🗞️🕊️ #WorldPressFreedomDay #PressFreedom #FreedomOfExpression #Journalism #Democracy #HumanRights #MediaFreedom #Peace #World

I have put myself forward at times as a media critic. And as I have said at those times, being a media critic comes naturally if you are a Republican watching the biased way politics is covered these days. There is an Op-ed today by Barney Keller which eloquently makes the point that the media has been in the tank for Democrats in general and Biden in particular. As has been observed, the vast majority of journalists in the mainstream media are politically liberal. This probably has always been true all the way back to Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather. But, what has changed is the willingness of journalists to allow their personal political views to infiltrate their reporting. As we have seen, some deny it. But, others defend it. Either way, it is still there. And this obvious bias against conservatives has contributed directly to a decline in trust in the media. As Keller writes, it seems the watershed event that has precipitated a crisis of confidence in the media's reliability was the presidential debate. A debate where Joe Biden's mental decline was on full display and which contradicted the glossy coverage of Biden up to that point. Yes, it may be hard to remember now, but the simple fact is the media was covering up for Biden's incapacity in its coverage for at least a year, if not more. It compounded this cover-up by attacking any journalists who contradicted the narrative that Joe was in full control of both his faculties and the government. Both of which propositions are clearly being questioned by the vast majority of the public, both Democrat and Republican. Keller ends his Op-ed by giving Trump's assessment of the media its due. "When Donald Trump talks about "election interference" by media elites, he's simply saying what most voters already believe." Or put another way, Trump has been right about everything. And is now more trusted than the media that covers him so poorly.

The Biden crisis exposes the risks of developing audiences that can’t differentiate between critical-but-fair journalism and ideological media that primarily serves a political party. Playing on audiences’ political views can be useful in the short term — for, in particular, driving subscriptions, the new lifeline for American news media — but clearly can result in some angry readers and subscribers when you tell them what they don’t want to hear. #media https://lnkd.in/ghFk2dgu

Presidency: We implore the Presidency to join us in condemning this intrusion into the SABC’s affairs. The public deserves transparency and accountability, and we expect the highest office in the land to uphold these principles. During an election period, it is even more critical that media are able to perform their duties without fear and intimidation. A politically compromised media is at risk of undermining a credible, free and fair election. We need to ensure, at all costs, that media, especially the public broadcaster are protected from any form of intimidation and threat.

Livestreaming, explainer videos and newsletters: Overnight election coverage with three new media companies: "It makes the all-nighter worth it": Journalists at Novara Media, TLDR News, and The Edinburgh and London Minute talk about sacrificing sleep to cover the UK general election and give their audience something interesting to wake up to #digitalpublishing #journalism #onlinepublishing

I have a new essay out that begins to sketch out the legal thinking necessary for what I refer to as "non-reformist media reforms". If we are to challenge the systemic market failure that is actively dismantling local journalism and causing innumerable social harms, we need to make the case for affirmative policy interventions that prioritize our informational and communicative needs over libertarian logics and capitalist imperatives. https://lnkd.in/e_cnGpzv

In the latest Deadline, read about new data on Americans’ consumption and trust in news, the Washington Post's union's plans to walk off the job in response to the lack of contract negotiations, and The Atlantic's special edition outlining the implications of a second Donald Trump presidency. #Media #MediaMoves #MediaRelations #Newsletter