Fact Check: There are increasing attacks against public service media in recent years

Fact Check: "There are increasing attacks against public service media in recent years"

What We Know

The claim regarding increasing attacks against public service media can be contextualized through various reports and studies. According to the 2025 Digital News Report, traditional news media are facing significant challenges, including declining engagement and trust, particularly in the United States. This report highlights a shift towards social media and alternative media platforms, which has diminished the influence of institutional journalism.

Moreover, the RSF World Press Freedom Index 2025 indicates that while physical attacks on journalists are a visible concern, economic pressures and disinformation campaigns represent a more insidious threat to press freedom. This suggests that public service media may be increasingly vulnerable to both direct and indirect attacks, including financial instability and the spread of misinformation.

Additionally, the UNESCO report on threats to freedom of the press emphasizes that violence, disinformation, and censorship are significant threats that journalists face globally. The report notes that between 2006 and 2020, over 1,200 media professionals lost their lives, with many cases remaining unsolved, indicating a persistent danger to those in the field.

Analysis

The evidence presented supports the notion that public service media are under increasing threat, but the nature of these threats is multifaceted. The 2025 Digital News Report illustrates a decline in traditional media's ability to connect with audiences, which could be interpreted as a form of attack on the credibility and relevance of public service media. The shift towards social media and alternative platforms has not only fragmented the audience but also created an environment where misinformation can thrive, undermining the authority of traditional journalism.

The RSF World Press Freedom Index and the UNESCO report further corroborate this by highlighting the economic fragility and the rise of disinformation as critical issues facing journalists today. These reports suggest that while there may not be a direct increase in physical attacks on public service media, the overall landscape of threats is evolving, making it more challenging for these institutions to operate effectively.

However, it is essential to consider the reliability of the sources. The Digital News Report is produced by the Reuters Institute, which is generally regarded as a credible source in media studies. The RSF and UNESCO are also reputable organizations focused on press freedom and the safety of journalists, lending further credibility to their findings.

Conclusion

The claim that "there are increasing attacks against public service media in recent years" is Partially True. While there is evidence of increasing challenges and threats to public service media, particularly through economic pressures and misinformation, the nature of these attacks is not solely physical. The evolving media landscape poses significant risks to the credibility and effectiveness of public service media, indicating a complex interplay of factors rather than a straightforward increase in traditional forms of attacks.

Fact Check: There are increasing attacks against public service media in recent years