The Inter-American Press Association (IAPA) issued a statement on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, which is celebrated every May 3, in which he expresses his concern about attacks against the news media.
“Freedom of expression—an essential pillar of any democracy— today faces a sustained deterioration that is no longer manifested only in isolated events, but in a worrying normalization of hostility against the press,” the IAPA explained.
“The hemisphere is going through a critical stage in which The practice of journalism is besieged on multiple fronts, from political power to criminal structures, growing judicial harassment, through digital dynamics that amplify misinformation and discredit,” the text states, citing the positions of the IAPA leaders.
The entity denounces violence against journalists, which not only persists, but is diversifying in murders, threats and physical attacks, to which are added more sophisticated mechanisms to silence, which becomes a disturbing aspect: the “normalization of aggression.”
“This cultural change erodes the very foundations of democratic coexistence, by weakening society’s ability to recognize and reject abuses against the press,” the text highlights.
The IAPA also denounces the authoritarian narrative of the governments of the region, who resort to strategies such as discrediting independent media, eroding public trust in journalism and concentrating control over information, which results in the progressive closure of civic space, “where criticism is punished and transparency becomes an exception.”
The entity cites the US as an example, which today faces systematic pressure on press freedom, that had only been observed in other parts of the continent. “The escalation of hostile rhetoric, the use of legal and regulatory tools, access restrictions and the increase in incidents of violence against journalists mark a turning point that cannot be ignored,” which has profound implications for the entire hemisphere.
Another worrying aspect are the restrictions on access to public information. “Governments that limit data, manipulate transparency systems, restrict accreditations or condition access to official sources not only weaken journalistic work, but also violate citizens’ fundamental right to be informed,” says the conglomerate.
“In some cases, these practices translate into concrete decisions that restrict journalists’ access to government headquarters or official conferences, which directly affects news coverage,” he emphasizes.
Collective challenge
The IAPA highlights that impunity is a challenge that requires priority attention. This demand should not be solely from the media, but rather a collective challenge. “Because When press freedom is weakened, what is at stake is not only the right to inform, but the right of everyone to be informed,” he explains.
“The S.I.P. will intensify its efforts to combat impunity through investigation mechanisms, legal support and international visibility,” he warns.
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Highlights the value of dialogue, experience, resilience and learning accumulated by journalists in Latin America, which today It serves as a reference, support and guide in a context that requires greater regional cooperation.
“In times when the truth is disputed and silence is imposed in different ways, reporting continues to be—more than ever—an act of courage. And defending that right, a responsibility that cannot be postponed,” emphasizes.
📣Today, May 3, we commemorate World Press Freedom Day in a critical scenario for the Americas.
🚨At the IAPA we warn of a sustained deterioration in freedom of expression and a worrying normalization of hostility against #journalism.…
— SIP • IAPA (@sip_oficial) May 3, 2026