Elections and media in digital times

The study zooms in on a key issue related to the 2019 World Press Freedom Day theme, which focused on “Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation”. New digitally-enabled tactics in political funding, campaigning and advertising, are often lacking in transparency. Meanwhile journalists, whose output can empower the electorate, are under increasing attack. It is against this backdrop that this Report identifies recent trends on disinformation, attacks on the safety of journalists, and disruption in election communications. The report lists possible responses in order to safeguard media freedom and integrity while strengthening news reportage on elections in digital times.