The Thomson Reuters Foundation at the
2022 International Journalism Festival 

This week -- from 6-10 April -- press freedom advocates will convene in Perugia, Italy, for the 16th edition of the renowned 
International Journalism Festival. 

The Thomson Reuters Foundation will be hosting two panel discussions at the Festival, both of which will be livestreamed and available to watch
on-demand shortly afterwards. Convening expert speakers, we will explore pressing issues, including: 

 How can news outlets’ editorial independence be safeguarded in an era of declining revenues? 

When news outlets’ economic sustainability is in jeopardy, their editorial independence is at risk. Those hit by plummeting revenues are particularly vulnerable - not only to state control by autocratic regimes, but also to advertisers or individuals open to paying for editorial control. 

Our panel will examine how can we protect independent journalism, so fundamental to upholding freedom of expression, and prevent news outlets from remaining at the mercy of the highest bidder.

Thursday, 7th April 2022.
12:00 - 13:00 (CEST) / 11:00 - 12:00 (GMT + 1)

Defending media freedom: using the law to protect journalists at risk

Free and independent media are fighting the battle of their lives, but without significant legal expertise, their defences against those who are weaponising the law to compromise journalists' safety - and censor their reporting - are weak.

Our panel will explore the gaps in legal support available to journalists targeted for their truth telling, and introduce 'The Legal Network for Journalists at Risk', an exciting collaboration - set to go live later this year - led by the Thomson Reuters Foundation to expand the reach and impact of legal assistance available to journalists. 

Saturday, 9th April 2022.
15:30 - 16:30 (CEST) / 14:30 - 15:30 (GMT + 1)

For those attending the Festival, we'd be delighted to meet you in person at our panels. 

Speakers