More governments are taking over news publishing and distribution.
Even as alternative media is flourishing in some corners of the globe, governments everywhere are seeking to license, monitor and control what is said.
The Russian government has purchased the largest national newspaper, infusing it with pro-government bias.
China’s Communist Party has sought to expand its influence over media production and dissemination channels abroad.
The Hungarian and Serbian governments have snuffed out critical journalism and consolidated media ownership into pro-government hands.
In India, the government has sought to pressure independent media in selection of television licenses and has supported campaigns to discourage speech that is “antinational,” according to Freedom House.
