America.gov-Press Freedom: Challenges

For Iranian Bloggers, Risks Have Not Deterred Activity

Stephen Kaufman — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:38:03 -0400

Those who challenge the media narrative put forward by the Iranian government do so at great personal risk, but many continue to accept the challenge and are finding ways through new technology to share their ideas with the broader public. Many Iranian bloggers have been arrested for sharing their opinions.

“Heretic” Bloggers Risk Execution Under Iran’s New Restrictions

Stephen Kaufman — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:32:16 -0400

Iranian bloggers are facing increased pressure from their government, including the threat of execution for “heresy.” One expatriate blogger talks to America.gov about the government’s series of unsuccessful efforts to control information on the Web and why this latest tactic also is likely to fail.

Death of Russian Journalist “Disturbing,” United States Says

Stephen Kaufman — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:23:26 -0400

How did Russian journalist Magomed Yevloyev die in police custody? Who will be held responsible? The Bush administration and press freedom advocacy groups want answers to these and other questions surrounding the death of an outspoken critic of the Russian government in an impoverished province.

Burmese Writers Play Cat-and-Mouse Game with State Censors

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:29:35 -0400

Burma’s writers and journalists have developed literary traditions to cope with the draconian state censorship that has existed since the 1962 under military rule. Some writers use vague post-modern expression, while others take great personal risk to get political messages past the notorious censors.

Independent News Media Important for Democracy Worldwide

Eric Green — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:05:35 -0400

U.S. efforts to promote democracy overseas include funding foreign independent news media. A new report says that with the fall of communism in Europe and elsewhere, free and responsible press organizations have taken on an increasingly important role in promoting democracy and need additional funding and attention.

Former White House Spokesmen Take Experience to Private Sector

Eric Green — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:03:09 -0400

Former presidential spokesmen Mike McCurry, George Stephanopoulos and Ari Fleischer say their experience at the White House prepared them well for media careers. Stephanopoulos says a White House background gives journalists “detailed policy and political knowledge” and a “bracing lack of cynicism about the possibilities of government.”

William Safire, Bill Moyers Discuss Post-Government Journalism

Eric Green — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:07:22 -0400

Famed journalists William Safire and Bill Moyers, who both worked in the White House, tell America.gov that their government experience served them well when they later went into journalism. Safire, a former New York Times political columnist, says having a journalistic background also helps those who go into politics.

Blurry Line Separates Politics, Journalism

Eric Green — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:29:08 -0400

Scores of individuals from the political world are switching to jobs in journalism, and vice versa. Media experts talk to America.gov about the ramifications of this “revolving door” and how important it is for those formerly involved in politics to establish their credibility as journalists with the general public.

Exhibit Showcases Love-Hate Relationship Between FBI and Press

Stephen Kaufman — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:25:49 -0400

The Washington Newseum unveils its new “G-Men and Journalists” exhibit, which examines the relationship of “cooperation and conflict” dating back to the 1930s between the FBI and the press. “Sometimes it has been very cooperative. Other times it has been extraordinarily combative,” Newseum official Susan Bennett says.

China’s Government Praised for Easing Media Restrictions

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 20 May 2008 15:30:36 -0400

China is getting high marks from news organizations worldwide for its extraordinary openness to press coverage in the aftermath of the massive May 12 earthquake that devastated Sichuan province. Observers wonder whether this development is a sign China’s strained relationship with the press is improving.

Burma Imposing Heavy Restrictions on Disaster Coverage

Stephen Kaufman — Wed, 14 May 2008 12:52:10 -0400

Burma’s military leaders accept international aid donations in the wake of a devastating cyclone, but persist in their restrictions on news coverage of the disaster and their ban on foreign reporters despite the important role the media can play in attracting worldwide contributions to disaster recovery efforts.

Press Freedom in Mongolia Gaining, but Needs Strengthening

Eric Green — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:23:16 -0400

Mongolia is making advances in press freedom, but experts say that more improvements are needed to make the press truly free and independent of government censorship and intimidation. Experts from nongovernmental organizations share their views on the current situation and necessary next steps with America.gov.