A new UNESCO-backed review of global research has found that countries with greater access to free media tend to face lower risks of conflict, repression and human rights violations, highlighting the role of independent journalism in national stability and public accountability.
The findings are contained in a report titled The Value of Journalism: Global Evidence on Why Media Matters to Economies, National Security and Crises, authored by researchers Mel Bunce and Bethia Pearson of City St George’s, University of London. The report was commissioned by UNESCO in partnership with the International Fund for Public Interest Media and Deutsche Welle Akademie.
A study covering 152 countries found that greater access to free media was associated with lower levels of human rights abuses and a lower likelihood of conflict and repression, according to UNESCO.
The findings place press freedom within a broader national security and governance context, rather than treating journalism only as a matter of freedom of expression.
UNESCO said independent journalism can strengthen accountability by providing information that allows citizens to scrutinize governments and public institutions. It can also help communities respond to crises and reduce the effects of disinformation.
“Journalism is not only about informing; it is about sustaining the conditions for trust, social cohesion and lasting peace,” UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany said during a July discussion of the report.
The report also links journalism to humanitarian response. Research covering 2,337 disasters found that each additional New York Times story about a disaster was associated with an additional $500,000 in official emergency aid, according to UNESCO.
UNESCO said the evidence also shows that independent media can help societies withstand disinformation and information manipulation, particularly during periods of crisis.
The report comes as UNESCO warns of worsening conditions for independent journalism. Its World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development Report 2022–2025 found that freedom of expression had declined by 10% globally since 2012.
The review also identified economic consequences linked to declining press freedom. Research covering 97 countries found that declines in press freedom were associated with a 1% to 2% reduction in real GDP growth, while another estimate found that every $1 invested in journalism could generate more than $100 in public savings through reduced corruption, recovered funds and improved public services.
UNESCO’s findings come amid growing concern over the erosion of trusted information sources, with the agency arguing that independent journalism should be treated as a public good and supported as part of efforts to strengthen peace, governance and crisis response.
