Reporting from the Middle East comes with a host of challenges, but those facing media professionals in Palestine are unique due to the state’s relations with neighboring Israel. While imminent danger is a constant threat, the enduring problem of access to certain parts of the surrounding region is a continuing concern, meaning coverage is limited and one-sided, and self-censorship abounds.

Eleven Media Group CEO, Dr Than Htut Aung, and group Editor-in-Chief, Wai Phyo, have been arrested and sent to Insein prison awaiting a court appointment on 25 November following the publication of an article linking a government minister to allegations of corruption.

On the 2nd of December 2016, Sweden celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Freedom of the Press Act – the first of its kind in the world, and a precedent to be followed by all democracies.

WAN-IFRA’s Strengthening Media and Society programme arrived at Rhodes University School of Journalism in Grahamstown, South Africa to deliver three days of workshop training to media professionals from 25 media companies across Kenya, South Africa and Uganda. Discussing digital strategies, editorial leadership and media freedom challenges, participants engaged in a programme of activities as part of WAN-IFRA’s global project to strengthen the role of media in the communities they serve.