Why Media Freedom Matters: New Report by MFC

The Media Freedom Coalition (MFC) has released “Why Media Freedom Matters,” a report authored by Dieter Zinnbauer of Copenhagen Business School. Drawing on over 100 pieces of evidence, the report highlights the vital role of a free and independent media in supporting democratic governance, societal well-being, and economic stability.

The report demonstrates how media freedom:

• Strengthens democracy by increasing public knowledge, participation, and electoral integrity.
• Improves health outcomes through citizen awareness and greater scrutiny of health systems and providers.
• Reduces violence and improves security by addressing state violence and placing critical security concerns on public and political agendas.
• Supports economic stability by uncovering fraud, exposing collusion, and ensuring access to trustworthy information—often outperforming formal regulators.
• Promotes environmental accountability by exposing environmental crimes and informing policies to address pressing environmental challenges.

The MFC, a partnership of over 50 member states, advocates for media freedom and journalist safety worldwide. Established in 2019, the coalition works with legal experts, civil society, and global partners like UNESCO to advance legal reforms, intervene in media freedom cases, and support initiatives like the Global Media Defence Fund.

This report provides concrete evidence of media freedom’s essential role in creating more informed, secure, and prosperous societies.