In this episode of Shooting the Messenger: The Case for Press Freedom, host Hannah Storm speaks with Zahra Joya, the founder of Rukhshana Media and the author of 'The Vanishing Girl of Kabul', her new memoir written with Amie Ferris-Rottman. 
Zahra, a prominent voice for Afghan women and press freedom, tells Hannah about how - despite facing exile, threats and loss, she is committed to her mission to amplify the rights of women and their stories, and calls on those listening to support her work, the profession of journalism, and the rights of women in Afghanistan, and around the world. 
In this conversation, she reflects on her youth and how she dressed as a boy in order to get an education. She shares how she was compelled to found Rukhshana Media, named after a young woman stoned to death by the Taliban, and how - having fled to England - she hopes to return to her country and continue her journalism work, mentoring the next generation of women in media. This episode is threaded with important messages about press freedom and gender equality as human rights issues, about the global betrayal faced by women and more personal stories of Zahra's resilience. 

• Rukshana Media

• Amy Ferris Rotman

Warning: This conversation contains descriptions of injuries, atrocities and violence that some listeners may find distressing.

In this episode of Shooting the Messenger: The Case for Press Freedom, veteran journalist Janine di Giovanni shares stories from a career charting 35 years on the front lines. She discusses her experience of reporting on injustice, investigating war crimes, the silencing of truth, and the evolution of threats against journalists. 
Janine and podcast host Hannah Storm consider how targeted violence has transformed journalist safety, and why the fight for free and truthful reporting has never been more critical. 
This conversation explores the impact of media censorship and the silencing of brave messengers, from the devastating toll on journalists in Gaza to the rise of disinformation campaigns that threaten democracy worldwide. It also reflects on the evolution of conversations related to mental health in journalism and the emotional toll that covering conflict, crisis and atrocities can take journalists.  
Janine talks about the vital work of The Reckoning Project, the programme she established to document human rights violations and war crimes, and how she and her colleagues go about pursuing justice. 
This episode shows how without a free press, human rights violations go unchallenged, impunity flourishes, and democracy erodes. It is essential listening for anyone committed to truth and the power of journalism in a fractured world. 

In this episode of Shooting the Messenger: The Case for Press Freedom, host Hannah Storm speaks with Phil Chetwynd, the Global News Director for Agence France-Presse. 
They talk about how challenges to journalists and journalism are changing. Their conversation considers the violence faced by media professionals, the impunity that exists for crimes against them, as well as how misinformation and access restrictions are threatening press freedom. Phil emphasises the need for collective action to protect journalists and press freedom, highlighting the increasing threats and lack of accountability in many regions.
Phil shares insights from his career, including experiences in Asia leading newsrooms through crisis and disaster, reinforcing the importance of empathy, effective communication and conversations around mental health and safety. 
Hannah and Phil discuss the importance of resilience, accountability, effective leadership and innovation in safeguarding journalism and journalists. 
His final message underscores the existential threat to journalism and the importance of protecting the messenger to ensure the future health of our societies.  
**Please note, Phil is referred to in the podcast as the Global News Editor, when in fact his role is Global News Director**

In this episode of "Shooting the Messenger," Hannah Storm hosts Rachel Corp, CEO of ITN, to explore the vital importance of eyewitness journalism, the challenges faced by journalists today, and the enduring need for press freedom. Rachel shares her extensive experience covering conflicts, discusses the impact of misinformation, the importance of mental health conversations in newsrooms, and emphasizes journalism's role in democracy.

Key Topics

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and episode overview 00:22 - Rachel Cork’s background and early career 01:23 - The importance of human stories and eyewitness reporting 02:57 - Covering conflicts: Bosnia, Gaza, and Iran 04:37 - Misinformation, disinformation, and the role of real-time eyewitness journalism 06:23 - Reporting from conflict zones: challenges and solutions 07:54 - Regional news deserts and efforts to reinstate local journalism 09:00 - The evolution and support of regional journalism in the UK 10:43 - Women in journalism: progress and ongoing challenges 12:08 - Online harassment faced by women journalists 13:39 - Mentoring, training, and embracing AI for future-proof journalism 15:23 - The importance of community and informal mentoring networks 16:47 - Experiences with online harassment and balancing motherhood with journalism 18:02 - Managing hostile responses and the importance of resilience 19:37 - Supporting mental health and wellbeing in high-stress newsrooms 22:26 - The value and purpose of a journalism career with impact 30:19 - Why press freedom and impartial regulation are essential for democracy 33:40 - Fighting attacks on journalists and defending free media 34:54 - Closing remarks and final thoughts on press responsibility

Resources & Links:

In this episode, Hannah Storm speaks with Sergiy Tomilenko, head of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, about the vital role of journalism amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. They explore the evolving threats journalists face, innovative solidarity initiatives, mental health support, and the importance of global media solidarity.

Main Topics:

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Press freedom and journalism safety during conflict
 00:45 - Sergiy Tomilenko’s background and work supporting Ukrainian journalists
 01:42 - The toll of international advocacy tours and maintaining morale
 02:37 - The role of journalism in defending truth and supporting ordinary people
 04:08 - Challenges and dangers faced by Ukrainian journalists during the war
 05:28 - The story of Vasyl Miroshnyk and local newspaper resilience
 06:49 - Daily threats from Russian drones and frontline dangers
 08:06 - Changes in threats to journalism pre- and post-invasion
 09:16 - The threat and mitigation of drone attacks on journalists
 12:03 - Equipment and mental health support for journalists in war zones
 13:18 - The mental health toll of prolonged conflict and resilience measures
 21:41 - The creation and impact of Ukrainian Journalist Solidarity Centers
 24:13 - Peer support, safety trainings, and international influence
 28:27 - Recognition and awards for journalistic solidarity efforts
 30:19 - The importance of ongoing international media support
 32:33 - Addressing fatigue and maintaining awareness of Ukraine’s ongoing crisis
 34:03 - The link between press freedom, democracy, and peace
 36:12 - Closing message: The importance of supporting independent journalism

Resources & Links:

In this episode, join Hannah Storm as she speaks with Diane Foley, who shares the inspiring story of how she turned personal tragedy into a global call for press freedom, moral courage, and understanding. Diane shares insights from her journey—her son Jim's legacy, her faith, and her remarkable efforts to advocate for journalists and foster empathy worldwide.
Key Topics

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: press freedom, sacrifice, and Diane Foley’s story
 01:02 - Diane’s reflections on Jim Foley’s legacy and moral courage
 02:28 - Jim Foley’s motivation to become a journalist and his dedication to truth
 04:15 - The significance of holding space for marginalized voices
 06:19 - The importance for the public to understand journalists' risks
 08:15 - Link between press freedom and democracy
 10:05 - Evolving threats to journalists and press freedom over time
 11:41 - The Foley Foundation’s mission and key achievements
 13:43 - Advice for young journalists in a dangerous world
 15:22 - The role of the ACOS Alliance in journalist safety, especially freelancers
 17:13 - What keeps Diane going: moral courage and faith
 18:34 - The power of hope and standing for what is right
 20:17 - Faith as Diane’s strength amid adversity
 21:30 - Maintaining energy and resilience at nearly 80 years old
 23:12 - The importance of listening and empathy in bridging divides
 25:15 - The experience of meeting Alexander Cote and the act of forgiveness
 26:43 - The significance of empathy and compassion in healing and understanding
 28:00 - Jim Foley’s enduring legacy of moral courage and influence
 29:24 - Addressing those who attack journalists and threaten press freedom
 30:20 - The role of hope, love, and moral courage in a better future
 31:13 - Final thoughts and messages of support for press freedom advocates
Resources & Links

Join Hannah Storm for this launch episode, featuring an in-depth conversation with Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of the Committee to Protect Journalists. Here they discuss the critical importance of press freedom amidst increasing threats to journalists worldwide. Discover the realities of our evolving media landscape, the dangers faced by journalists, and the impactful work of CPJ in defending those who bear witness.
Key topics

Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome and overview of press freedom challenges
 01:05 - The current dangerous climate for journalists worldwide
 02:19 - Misinformation, disinformation, and the role of journalists
 03:01 - Personal journey into journalism and motivation
 04:18 - Power of reporting to create change and impact policy
 05:16 - The role of local news and community trust building
 07:42 - Consequences of local news erosion and news deserts
 09:45 - The necessity of access to factual information for democracy
 11:05 - CPJ’s comprehensive approach: documentation, assistance, advocacy
 12:26 - Rising need for safety and trauma support for journalists
 13:18 - Addressing threats, violence, and impunity worldwide
 15:08 - The changing tactics in defending journalists and facing repression
 16:52 - Systemic impunity and the playbook of authoritarian repression
 18:55 - The danger of demonization and its escalation to violence
 20:53 - The importance of protecting marginalized journalists and diversity
 22:22 - Online harassment, self-censorship, and the impact on journalism
 23:44 - The toll of trauma, stress, and the importance of mental health support
 28:41 - Leadership roles in supporting staff and organizational resilience
 30:22 - Recognizing different stressors in journalism career paths
 33:42 - Self-care strategies for journalists and leaders in advocacy
 35:57 - The significance of purpose and belief in the work of press freedom advocates
 38:07 - Why protecting the right to factual information matters for all
 39:30 - How individuals outside journalism can support press freedom
 41:19 - The resilience of truth: why silencing messengers fails
Resources & Links

• Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)