Trend Rising pressure on journalists and media pluralism

Summary

The report finds that the Netherlands still scores relatively well on press freedom internationally, but that journalists and media workers here also face growing legal pressure, intimidation, threats, trolling and online abuse. The institutional and economic conditions for press freedom are under strain, with more lawsuits against journalists, fear of large fines or legal claims, and uncertainty about funding and independence. Media concentration and the rise of large online platforms leave the core of news provision in the hands of a few big players, shrinking the range of perspectives. A growing role for AI in news production could weaken the capacity for critical, independent reporting, and some political parties are critical of public broadcasting and independent journalism. The report explains that political rhetoric disparaging institutions also contributes to the erosion of trust.