We’re pleased to publish the findings and observations of our 2025 Journalist Impact Survey. The report is an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness and long-term impact of our legal and financial help, as well as the threats and trends affecting the journalists we support around the world.
“We would have been unable to hire a lawyer, and the consequences would have been fatal. Without the support of organisations like Media Defence, our organisation would have been unable to continue to do its work under such difficult contexts.”
– Nigerian Journalist supported by Media Defence.
The Survey
Our Journalist Impact Survey offers feedback from some of the journalists whom we have supported during the year. From evaluating the quality of assistance to understanding the success of cases supported, learning about the experiences of the journalists and media outlets is crucial to our work. The survey also allows us to test our theory of change: access to legal defence enables journalists to continue fulfilling a vital role within a democratic society: holding governments and authorities to account.
The findings from the survey will guide our future efforts to enhance our support systems and ensure the continued ability of journalists to report freely.
Background
In 2025, we received 23 responses from journalists whom we have supported and whose cases were closed in 2025.
Sometimes contacted through their lawyers, we surveyed journalists from 14 countries, though some were in exile. The journalists come from all the regions in which we work, with the majority of respondents (52%) based in Europe and Central Asia. We are pleased with the representation of our geographic reach, which has broadened significantly since 2020, when 90% of respondents were from Europe. We are also pleased with the strong feedback about our communications and the quality of our legal support.
Key findings on threats facing journalists:
- 100% of respondents believed that they would face some form of legal action in the future as a result of their journalistic activity.
- 52% of respondents cited crime and justice as the public issue most likely to result in legal action, while 48% cited political and/or business corruption – a trend linked to the global rise in the use of SLAPPs by powerful individuals and businesses.
- Journalists who took part also reported facing legal threats for reporting on national security, indigenous and minority rights, environment and energy, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Key findings about our support:
- 100% of respondents would recommend our support to other journalists facing legal action.
- 70% of respondents believe that their case had a positive wider impact, either in their country or their region.
- 52% of respondents told us that Media Defence was the main way they could cover their legal fees.
- 95% of respondents have continued to practice journalism since the conclusion of their case — including some reporting from exile.
The survey also found that our support and that of our partners was incredibly effective.
We’re grateful to all the journalists who took part in the survey and to our partners and donors who allow our work to continue.
If you face legal threats because of your journalism, we can help.