Our Asia section is your go-to source for the latest stories, articles, and analyses about the media industry across the continent. This section covers a wide range of topics, from attacks on press freedom to in-depth insights into newsrooms. Stay informed about the challenges and developments shaping the media landscape in Asia, and gain a deeper understanding of the region's vibrant and complex journalistic environment.
April 01, 2025: Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.
April 01, 2025: Assam Police arrested digital journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumder for covering a protest against alleged corruption at Assam Co-Operative Bank. Media organizations have condemned the arrest, calling it an attack on press freedom.
March 27, 2025: Several journalists were attacked and forced to delete footage while covering anti-military protests in Indonesia. CPJ urges authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable.
March 23, 2025: The severed pig’s head sent to Indonesia’s leading news outlet, Tempo, signals escalating media intimidation amid President Prabowo Subianto’s attacks on foreign-funded media.
March 14, 2025: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) urges Maharashtra authorities to ensure their AI-driven media monitoring plan does not undermine press freedom. The initiative, which classifies news as positive or negative, raises concerns over government overreach and self-censorship.
March 11, 2025: Indian journalist and RTI activist Raghvendra Bajpai was shot dead in Uttar Pradesh on March 8 in a targeted attack. Media organizations, including IFJ, NUJ-I, and IJU, demand justice and an urgent investigation into his murder.
March 06, 2025: The arrest of Malaysiakini journalist B. Nantha Kumar by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has raised concerns over press freedom. The IFJ and NUJM call for a transparent investigation amid allegations of bribery and ongoing state harassment of independent media.
February 28, 2025: The Dewan Rakyat passed the Malaysian Media Council Bill on February 26, marking a historic step toward independent media regulation. Supported by journalists, unions, and media bodies, the council aims to set ethical standards, improve working conditions, and reform restrictive laws. The NUJM and IFJ celebrate this milestone while urging independence and adequate resourcing for the council.
February 24, 2025: Nepal's proposed Social Media Act Bill faces backlash for threatening freedom of expression and press freedom. Journalist unions and civil society urge the government to withdraw the bill, citing vague provisions and the potential for abuse.
February 14, 2025: Justice remains elusive 16 years after the assassination of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge, as Sri Lanka’s Attorney General orders the release of three key suspects. Journalist organizations strongly condemn the move, calling for urgent action to end impunity for crimes against the media.
February 05, 2025: The Committee to Protect Journalists urges the Indian government to stop targeting independent journalism after revoking the nonprofit and tax-exempt statuses of The Reporters’ Collective and The File. Learn how this impacts investigative reporting and media freedom in India.
February 03, 2025: Cambodian journalists Duong Akhara and Lay Socheat have been detained on incitement charges after publishing a video allegedly showing torture in a cyberscam center. Press freedom advocates call for their immediate release.
February 02, 2025: A Taliban court in Kabul has sentenced Sayed Rahim Saeedi, editor of ANAR Media, to three years in prison on charges of disseminating anti-Taliban propaganda. Press freedom continues to face severe threats in Afghanistan.
January 23, 2025: CPJ exposes Pakistan's dangerous deportation of Afghan journalists fleeing Taliban persecution, highlighting critical human rights violations and press freedom challenges. #JournalistSafety
December 23, 2024: Indian journalist Anand Mangnale faces an online smear campaign initiated by BJP's Nishikant Dubey. Allegations against him include foreign funding ties and misleading reports. CPJ condemns the attack on press freedom.
December 22, 2024: Learn how Malaysian journalists drew lessons from Indonesia’s innovative media practices during the IFJ Malaysia-Indonesia Solidarity Mission, emphasizing the need for progressive media reform and sustainability.
December 05, 2024: Over 50 journalists protested in Kuala Lumpur against proposed amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act, which threaten press freedom. IFJ and NUJM urge the government to withdraw the bill and engage in stakeholder consultation.
November 21, 2024: Pakistan pledges enhanced digital access, economic opportunities, and gender-responsive policies for women at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on the Beijing+30 Review in Bangkok.
November 21, 2024: Investigative journalist Rana Ayyub received over 200 threats after her phone number was leaked on social media by a right-wing content creator. IFJ and IJU demand Maharashtra authorities take immediate action against those responsible for this targeted online harassment.
November 11, 2024: Journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, detained in the Philippines on controversial charges of illegal firearm possession and terrorism financing, testified on November 11. IFJ and NUJP call for her immediate release, condemning the misuse of anti-terror laws against journalists and activists.
October 26, 2024: Explore the dynamic growth of emerging media markets in South Asia, examining the opportunities, challenges, and future trends reshaping journalism and digital media in the region. Learn about the rise of new platforms, investment potential, and the digital shift fueling change in countries like Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.
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 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 02, 2024: Cambodian investigative journalist Mech Dara was arrested on incitement charges by military police. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) calls for his immediate release, urging Cambodia’s new leadership to respect press freedom.
September 24, 2024: Broadcast journalist Salman Ali Khan was fatally shot by unknown assailants in Madhya Pradesh, India. The IFJ and IJU demand a thorough investigation into the killing. Khan is the third journalist killed in India in 2024, raising concerns over media safety.
September 23, 2024: Explore the future trends shaping the Asian media industry, from the rise of streaming services to the integration of AI in content creation. Discover how traditional media is evolving and the importance of diversity and inclusion in this rapidly changing landscape.
September 10, 2024: Hanoi court sentences journalist Nguyen Vu Binh to seven years in prison for airing independent views on YouTube. CPJ calls for his immediate release, denouncing Vietnam's harsh crackdown on press freedom and pro-democracy activists.
September 03, 2024: CNN Indonesia's Head of Human Capital Development sent termination notices to 11 union activists just days after they officially registered their union. This controversial move, seen as union busting, has sparked outrage among labor advocates and media workers.