The War on Journalism

If democracy dies in darkness, who shines the light? Journalism must fight repression or lose its voice.

1. Journalism is essential for democracy to thrive

A democratic society relies on the power of independent journalism to hold those in authority accountable. The media acts as the "fourth estate," ensuring that power isn't just in the hands of governments, clergy, or elites but remains checked and balanced. Without a free press, citizens cannot make informed decisions about their leaders or policies.

Historically, journalists have reported on matters governments would rather keep hidden—like Edward Snowden’s NSA revelations proving widespread surveillance. This kind of reporting is necessary to inform the public about abuse of power. Snowden's cooperation with the Guardian demonstrates how investigative journalism can reveal the uncomfortable truths the state wishes to conceal.

A suppression of media freedom essentially silences democratic discourse, leaving people vulnerable to propaganda. The ability of media outlets such as the Guardian to investigate issues independently reinforces the idea that the public deserves transparency, even if it’s inconvenient for those in power.

Examples

• Edward Snowden exposed illegal surveillance practices by the NSA through the Guardian.
• Daniel Ellsberg's Pentagon Papers revealed lies about the US involvement in the Vietnam War.
• The Arab Spring showed how truthful media content could spark revolutions against oppressive regimes.

2. Media reports can challenge governments and reshape histories

When journalists unearth stories of corruption or injustice, public sentiment can dramatically shift, altering political landscapes and even national histories. Investigative reporting has proven effective in creating societal changes by exposing government wrongdoings or systemic corruption.

The Arab Spring's uprising against President Hosni Mubarak serves as a strong example of how shocking revelations pushed people to topple a dictatorship. Similarly, the Panama Papers exposed financial misconduct by key leaders worldwide, leading Iceland's Prime Minister to step down.

Even wars have been influenced by incisive reporting. The Pentagon Papers detailed the lies told by the US government regarding its chances of winning the Vietnam War. This fueled anti-war movements and eroded public trust, contributing to the war’s eventual conclusion and reshaping how history remembers those times.

Examples

• The Arab Spring revolution was fueled by corruption stories in Egypt.
• The Panama Papers forced Iceland’s Prime Minister to resign.
• The Pentagon Papers impacted the end of the Vietnam War by exposing governmental deceit.

3. Mainstream journalists are less willing to challenge authorities

Self-censorship and fear of retaliation have muted the voices of many mainstream journalists. Concern over career repercussions or legal threats often results in suppressed or watered-down reporting. Journalists sometimes seek approval from government sources before publishing controversial stories.

Freelance and independent journalists, however, have become essential for bold investigations. Edward Snowden opted to work with freelancer Glenn Greenwald because he wanted the story reported without the influence of institutional hesitations. Organizations like WikiLeaks have also filled that void, publishing files exposing governmental secrets, though they’ve faced criticism for potentially compromising sensitive information.

The hesitation from mainstream media underscores the growing challenges in investigative journalism, and the work is increasingly dependent on individuals brave enough to act without institutional backing.

Examples

• Freelancer Glenn Greenwald worked with Edward Snowden on NSA revelations.
• Chelsea Manning’s whistleblowing wasn’t immediately published by the New York Times.
• WikiLeaks has risked a reputation backlash to provide transparency.

4. The internet is a double-edged sword for the press

The online age offers journalists instant access to vast datasets and global communication channels. This greatly speeds up research efforts compared to pre-digital eras when reporters had to sift through physical archives. However, the internet has destabilized the economic model of traditional news organizations.

With readers accustomed to free content online, media outlets struggle to monetize investigative journalism. Producing investigative pieces takes time and financial resources, but declining revenue has led many organizations to cut back on such efforts. Major publications like the New York Times are still grappling with sustainable financial strategies, using advertising or paywalls with mixed outcomes.

While the web provides endless information, dwindling economic models leave fewer resources for thorough investigative work, putting the future of responsible journalism at risk.

Examples

• Online archives provide easier access to resources for reporting.
• Advertising-versus-paywall debate undermines financial stability for newspapers.
• Decreasing newspaper sales have shaken the funding of media organizations.

5. Whistleblowers face severe risks for exposing truths

Whistleblowers are the lifeblood of investigative journalism but become the prime targets for governments when secrets are uncovered. Unlike journalists, who may be protected by constitutional provisions like the First Amendment, whistleblowers rarely enjoy similar protections.

Take Edward Snowden, who fled the United States for Hong Kong and remains in Russia to avoid prosecution. Similarly, Stephen Kim, a State Department contractor, leaked information to Fox News but served jail time as a result. Whistleblowers risk their lives and careers while striving to provide the public with vital information.

With governments cracking down harder than ever, whistleblowers walk a dangerous path, while journalists must work diligently to safeguard their sources.

Examples

• Snowden fled to Russia after revealing NSA programs.
• Stephen Kim was jailed for his leak about North Korea's nuclear program.
• Encryption software is now necessary for online communication between reporters and sources.

6. Governments are escalating surveillance efforts globally

Far from curbing their activities, intelligence agencies have ramped up their surveillance in recent years. The NSA was caught spying on allies like Germany, even tapping Angela Merkel’s phone—evidence revealed by Snowden. These activities caused diplomatic strains but failed to quench the appetite for espionage.

Even when programs like the US Patriot Act ended, espionage by alternative means persisted. Allies like Australia have passed emergency laws that expand surveillance capabilities, enabling government access to citizens’ private data.

The increasing surveillance complicates journalists’ work. It’s now vital for reporters to cover their tracks online while communicating with sources, as snooping threatens confidential exchanges.

Examples

• NSA tapping Angela Merkel’s private phone.
• Australia’s emergency laws expanding spying.
• US spying scandals post-Snowden revelations, even outside its borders.

7. Journalists must protect sources more carefully than ever

In today’s heavily monitored world, investigative journalists risk exposing their sources unless they take extreme precautions. Governments avidly watch for online activity that could point to whistleblowers. As tech improves, journalists find themselves in a race to stay steps ahead.

The Snowden disclosures made encryption more widespread among journalists. Tools like PGP email encryption and anonymous file-sharing systems like Tor have become indispensable. Despite these methods, missteps such as James Rosen’s uncovered communication with Stephen Kim show the dangers of insufficient caution.

Staying vigilant and tech-savvy is now essential for journalists to fulfill their duties while safeguarding sources' identities.

Examples

• Glenn Greenwald and Laura Poitras used encrypted communication for Snowden.
• James Rosen’s careless handling of calls revealed his link to Stephen Kim.
• Tools like PGP and Tor ensure confidentiality over digital sharing.

8. Mainstream media compromises its independence

Many traditional media outlets have grown hesitant to challenge state policies. This conservatism discourages combative reporting and aligns these organizations too closely with the powerful entities they are meant to question.

For instance, before publishing on Snowden’s revelations, Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger hesitated to proceed out of fear of negative consequences. Moreover, the New York Times delayed acting on Chelsea Manning’s information, reflecting the growing timidity among big-name outlets.

Media independence is what allows the truth to reach the public. Compromising that independence leaves a void in accountability journalism, allowing the powerful to act with reduced scrutiny.

Examples

• Alan Rusbridger sat on Glenn Greenwald’s NSA article for days, hesitating.
• The New York Times delayed publishing Chelsea Manning’s leaks.
• Governments employ legal or political pressure to silence bold journalism.

9. Surveillance levels have expanded post-Snowden

Despite the global outrage over Edward Snowden’s revelations, governments worldwide have increased their surveillance measures rather than curbing them. By spying both internally and on foreign powers, they’re tightening their grip on information exchange.

US allies, including Australia, altered domestic laws to allow warrantless data collection. Germany’s refusal to grant Snowden asylum due to US threats highlighted how far nations go to maintain these power structures.

Journalists and activists wonder whether the battle for freedom of speech and information will prevail against this growing tide of state control.

Examples

• Germany complied with US pressure and denied Snowden asylum.
• Australia passed laws to access private personal data.
• Post-revelations, intelligence circles have grown tighter rather than looser.

Takeaways

1. Support independent journalism: Pay for trustworthy outlets and support freelancers tackling crucial investigations.
2. Protect your privacy: Use encryption tools like Tor browser or Signal when communicating sensitive matters.
3. Stay informed: Understand government surveillance laws and advocate for stronger protections for whistleblowers.