- Decline of print media and rise of digital gatekeepers threaten journalism’s survival
- Political interference and violence jeopardise press freedom in Europe and the UK
- INMA advocates for legal protection, fair pay, and competition to safeguard journalism
Journalism is no longer at risk of decline – it is already in crisis, according to Peter Vandermeersch, former publisher and CEO of Mediahuis Ireland.
Speaking at the International News Media Association’s European News Media Conference in Dublin, he warned that the disappearance of print and the dominance of digital platforms have created a perilous moment for independent journalism and, by extension, democracy itself.
“What was once an abstract risk has solidified into an immediate crisis,” Vandermeersch said. With print newspapers vanishing, platforms such as Google, TikTok and Meta now control news visibility, distribution and advertising revenues. This, he argued, leaves truth competing with a torrent of misinformation and disinformation that social media both inspires and amplifies.
Vandermeersch framed his remarks against the backdrop of an INMA report that sets out three priorities: enshrining journalism as a public good with legal protections for press freedom, securing fair compensation for content in an age of AI, and ensuring competition in digital markets so independent publishers are not locked out by dominant platforms.
Despite the stark assessment, Vandermeersch expressed optimism that journalism can survive if society recommits to supporting quality reporting. Ahead of World News Day last weekend, he underlined that the fate of journalism is inseparable from the health of democracy itself: without a free press, accountability fails and public trust erodes.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/comment/peter-vandermeersch-my-fears-for-journalisms-future-and-how-you-can-help-to-save-it/a571378627.html – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.hrw.org/report/2025/05/08/bad-worse/deterioration-media-freedom-greece – Human Rights Watch’s 2025 report highlights the decline of media freedom in Greece, citing government surveillance, harassment, and abusive lawsuits against journalists. These actions have led to self-censorship and a stifled press environment, undermining democracy and the rule of law. The report urges the European Union to monitor the situation and ensure progress in media freedom and democratic values in Greece.
- https://www.hrw.org/report/2024/02/13/i-cant-do-my-job-journalist/systematic-undermining-media-freedom-hungary – Human Rights Watch’s 2024 report details the systematic undermining of media freedom in Hungary, including politicised media regulation, declining media pluralism, political interference in editorial decisions, and surveillance of journalists. These actions have led to a media environment where independent reporting is limited, violating EU and Council of Europe standards protecting freedom of speech and information.
- https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/05/05/greece-stuck-bottom-eu-press-freedom – Human Rights Watch reports that Greece ranks last among EU countries in press freedom, citing government interference, surveillance, and abusive lawsuits against journalists. These issues have created an unsafe working environment for journalists and threaten democracy and the rule of law. The report calls for the European Commission to monitor the situation and uphold democratic values in Greece.
- https://www.theguardian.com/media/2024/apr/29/media-freedom-perilously-close-breaking-point-several-eu-countries – The Guardian reports that media freedom is ‘perilously close to breaking point’ in several EU countries, including Greece and Hungary. Instances of threats, intimidation, surveillance, and violence against journalists have been documented, along with restrictions on freedom of expression and access to information. The article calls for the European Commission to monitor member states’ implementation of the European Media Freedom Act.
- https://www.hriui.com/en/news-report-widespread-restrictions-surveillance-and-violations-of-media-rights-in-greece/ – The Human Rights Institute reports on widespread restrictions, surveillance, and violations of media rights in Greece, including covert monitoring of journalists and the European Union’s lenient approach toward the Greek government. The report highlights Greece’s low ranking in press freedom indices and calls for significant reforms to create a safe and open environment for journalistic activity.
- https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/05/08/greece-media-freedom-crisis – Human Rights Watch reports a media freedom crisis in Greece, citing harassment, intimidation, surveillance, and abusive lawsuits against journalists. These actions have led to self-censorship and a stifled press environment, threatening democracy and the rule of law. The report urges the European Union to monitor the situation and ensure progress in media freedom and democratic values in Greece.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative appears to be original, with no evidence of prior publication. The earliest known publication date of similar content is August 27, 2025, when Mediahuis Ireland announced the appointment of Sheena Peirse as CEO, succeeding Peter Vandermeersch, who became the inaugural Mediahuis Fellow ‘Journalism and Society’. ([mediahuis.ie](https://www.mediahuis.ie/mediahuis-ireland-appoints-sheena-peirse-as-new-ceo-succeeding-peter-vandermeersch-who-becomes-inaugural-mediahuis-fellow-journalism-and-society/?utm_source=openai)) This suggests that the narrative is fresh and not recycled. However, the report references an INMA report presented at the European News Media Conference in Dublin, but no specific date is provided for this event. Without a clear date, it’s challenging to assess the freshness of the referenced report. Additionally, the narrative includes recent data and events, indicating a high freshness score. However, the lack of a specific date for the INMA report introduces some uncertainty. ([mediahuis.ie](https://www.mediahuis.ie/mediahuis-ireland-appoints-sheena-peirse-as-new-ceo-succeeding-peter-vandermeersch-who-becomes-inaugural-mediahuis-fellow-journalism-and-society/?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The direct quotes attributed to Peter Vandermeersch and other individuals in the narrative do not appear in earlier material, suggesting they are original or exclusive. This enhances the credibility of the report. ([mediahuis.ie](https://www.mediahuis.ie/mediahuis-ireland-appoints-sheena-peirse-as-new-ceo-succeeding-peter-vandermeersch-who-becomes-inaugural-mediahuis-fellow-journalism-and-society/?utm_source=openai))
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Belfast Telegraph, a reputable news outlet in Northern Ireland. This strengthens the reliability of the report. ([mediahuis.ie](https://www.mediahuis.ie/mediahuis-ireland-appoints-sheena-peirse-as-new-ceo-succeeding-peter-vandermeersch-who-becomes-inaugural-mediahuis-fellow-journalism-and-society/?utm_source=openai))
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims made in the narrative are plausible and align with known events and developments in the media industry. The references to Mediahuis Ireland’s leadership changes and the challenges facing journalism are consistent with recent reports. However, the lack of a specific date for the INMA report referenced in the narrative introduces some uncertainty regarding the timeliness of the information. ([mediahuis.ie](https://www.mediahuis.ie/mediahuis-ireland-appoints-sheena-peirse-as-new-ceo-succeeding-peter-vandermeersch-who-becomes-inaugural-mediahuis-fellow-journalism-and-society/?utm_source=openai))
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is original, with no evidence of prior publication. The quotes attributed to individuals are unique and not found in earlier material. The source, the Belfast Telegraph, is reputable. While the lack of a specific date for the referenced INMA report introduces some uncertainty, the overall assessment is positive. ([mediahuis.ie](https://www.mediahuis.ie/mediahuis-ireland-appoints-sheena-peirse-as-new-ceo-succeeding-peter-vandermeersch-who-becomes-inaugural-mediahuis-fellow-journalism-and-society/?utm_source=openai))
Register for Editor’s picks
Stay ahead of the curve with our Editor's picks newsletter – your weekly insight into the trends, challenges, and innovations driving the future of digital media.
