144 Unit 09 | Someone’s watching Silencing the voices Read the statements below. Underline what you think are the two most important pieces of information in each statement. In pairs, talk about what you have chosen as being the most important and what it means to you. READING + SPEAKING 12 a b “Serious reporting involves carefully uncovering the facts, holding the powerful to account, and interrogating ideas and arguments. At the same time, we must offer fresh alternatives and commit to the belief that the way things are isn’t the way things have to be; we must use clarity and imagination to build hope.” (Katharine Viner, Editor-in-chief of The Guardian) “AI is transforming journalism, providing tools that enhance investigative reporting, content creation, and fact-checking. It allows for greater efficiency, multilingual accessibility, and improved data analysis. However, these advancements also bring risks: AI-generated misinformation and disinformation, deepfake technology, biased content moderation, and surveillance threats to journalists.” (UNESCO World Press Freedom Day Global Conference 2025) “An independent press ensures that citizens stay informed about public affairs and the actions of their governments, creating a forum for debate and the open exchange of ideas.” (Trevor Timm, US free press advocate) Work with a partner to discuss these questions: 1 What is freedom of the press? Why is it important? 2 How do you think ethical standards differ between traditional media outlets and individuals on social media, such as citizen journalists or newsfluencers? You are going to read an article about freedom of the press. Work with a partner and make a list of countries that you think will be mentioned in the article in a positive or negative way. Compare your list with another pair. What made you choose these countries? Read the article about the annual World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Complete the sentences (1–7) using a maximum of four words. Write your answers in the spaces provided. The first one (0) has been done for you. SPEAKING 13 READING 14 15 Journalism under political pressure The latest annual World Press Freedom Index produced by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has shown a worrying trend. Around the world, press freedom is threatened by those who should be its guarantors – political authorities. A growing number of governments are not fulfilling their role as guarantors of the best possible environment for journalism and for the public’s right to reliable and independent news and information. There is a worrying decline in support and respect for media autonomy and a substantial increase in pressure from political actors. In the absence of regulation, the use of generative AI for spreading disinformation is a concern. Deepfakes now occupy a leading position in influencing elections. The audio deepfake of Slovak journalist Monika Todova during elections in Slovakia is one of the first documented cases of this type of attack on a journalist. It was intended to damage her reputation and weaken public trust in her. Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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