Bonn: A new global evidence review commissioned by UNESCO, in collaboration with IFPIM and DW Akademie, has revealed that free and independent media significantly benefits societies worldwide.
According to Emirates News Agency, the report titled "The Value of Journalism: Global evidence on why media matters to economics, national security and crises," presents data illustrating journalism's positive impact on economic growth, national security, and resilience against crises and disinformation. This report was launched today during the Global Media Forum in Bonn, Germany, at a time when independent journalism faces unprecedented challenges due to declining public funding, threats from social media platforms and AI, and cuts in international aid and media development budgets.
Authored by Professor Mel Bunce and Dr. Beth Pearson from City St George's, University of London, the report consolidates recent academic research to emphasize journalism's crucial role in economies, national security, and crisis response. It warns of the potential societal consequences when journalism diminishes or disappears.
Key findings from the report include:
- Research involving 97 countries indicates that declining press freedom correlates with a 1-2% reduction in real GDP growth, with recovery being slow.
- Every dollar invested in journalism can lead to over $100 in public savings through reclaimed funds, better public services, and reduced corruption.
- Disinformation, a major global issue that independent journalism helps counteract, costs societies an estimated $355-516 billion annually.
- The World Economic Forum ranked disinformation as the second most pressing global risk in 2026.
- Supporting independent journalism is a cost-effective measure; experts suggest that 0.1% of global GDP, equivalent to just 15 days of global military spending, could sustain public media and secure information environments globally.
- A study of 152 countries found that greater access to free media correlates with reduced human rights abuses and a lower likelihood of conflict and repression.
- News coverage directly influences humanitarian response, with a study of 2,337 disasters showing that each additional New York Times story generated an extra $500,000 in official emergency aid.
These findings advocate for renewed public and international investment in independent journalism as a public good, highlighting its essential role in fostering informed societies.